Pax International - September/October 2013

SEPtEmbEr/octobEr 2013

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Vol. 17, no. 6

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www.pax.intl.com

N e w s a N d a N a ly s i s f o r t h e i f e C & i N t e r i o r s e x e C u t i v e

APEX AnAhEim & AiX SEAttlE

Staying

ConneCted Seat Integration Modern Tray Tables

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AIX/APEX Q&A’S p.

MOBILE CONNECTIVITY p.

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PASSENGER HEADSETS p.

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SAfETY fOCuS p.

PROFITABILITY

CONSOLIDATION

REAL SOLUTIONS FOR REAL PROBLEMS

COMPETITION

MANAGING COSTS

FUEL PRICES

Profitability, consolidation, managing operating costs, competition and fuel prices. These are just some of the things that face your airline each and every day. In order to be successful, you need key business partners that help you address each of these key areas. Partners that develop innovative solutions that generate revenue, reduce operating costs, and build brand loyalty.

That’s why at Panasonic Avionics, we’re developing in-flight entertainment and communications solutions that help you address your most pressing needs.

Visit our booth: 1205 at APEX or panasonic.aero/apex/pax to learn more about real solutions for real problems.

panasonic.aero © 2013 Panasonic Avionics Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

AD191

EDITOR’S LETTER

PAX International 26 Pearl Street, Mississauga, ontario L5M 1X2, Canada tel: (1 905) 821-3344; fax: (1 905) 821-2777 website: www.pax-intl.com

Publisher Aijaz Khan E-mail: aijaz@globalmarketingcom.ca

editorial offices Rick Lundstrom, Editor in Chief PAX International 723 Jefferson Street, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA tel: (1 612) 378-0862 fax: (1 612) 378-0852 E-mail: rick@pax-intl.com Lauren Brunetti, Managing Editor tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x21 E-mail: lauren@pax-intl.com Tanya Filippelli, Associate Editor

challenges

of growth An old-time politician, Senator Everett Dirksen of Illinois, was once quoted as saying, “a billion here and a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.”

It seems like a billion dollars, an incomprehensibly large number to most people, sure doesn’t buy as much as it used to. But in the years ahead, the estimated billions spent on inflight interior products will keep an industry afloat and another generation of passengers ensconced in the closest thing that passes for comfort in an aircraft cabin.

That growth will mean billions of dollars for an industry whose roller coaster may be finally, again on the ascent. With worldwide demand pegged at 35,000 aircraft in the next 20 years, the $4.8 trillion that Boeing estimates will be spent on big iron will mean opportunities for many of the companies gathering for the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Seattle.

The airline industry itself is coming off what generally has been seen as a successful year. Figures from the International Air Transport Association show airlines, which track everything down to the penny, were going to make $4 per passenger. On paper,

that does not look like much. But – with apologies to the late Sen. Dirksen -- $4 here and $4 there and pretty soon you’re talking about $12.7 billion, and that’s the global net profit projections that were released by IATA in late July.

But with opportunities come the inevitable challenges. And one of the largest, seat integration will be tackled head on in Seattle (see related story page 38). Inside all the growth that’s anticipated lies the need for companies that supply seating and all the gadgets that go with it to work together for the benefit of the airline, and the future passengers that will be comforted and entertained with their products.

If anything can point the way forward, it will be the assembled experts that will spend the day together Tuesday, October 1. If they’re fortunate, and listen to one another, this year’s AIX Americas could make some history of its own, and make all the billions that will be spent in the years to come, a wise investment for everyone.

tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x31 E-mail: tanya@pax-intl.com CoNtrIBUtorS Andrew Brooks John Guise Cindy Sosroutomo

a r t d e Pa r t m e n t Sarit Scheer E-mail: sarit.scheer@gmail.com

advertising offices Deepa J, Subscription & Conference Manager tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x35 fax: (1 905) 821-2777 E-mail: deepa@globalmarketingcom.ca PAX International is published six times a year (January/february, March/April, May, June/July/August, September/october, November/December) by PAX International, 26 Pearl Street, Mississauga, ontario L5M 1X2, Canada. International Distribution.

Subscriptions: $200 for one year; $300 for two years; $400 for three years. Art and photographs will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. the views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher or editor. September/october 2013, Vol. 17, No. 6. Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. © PAX International magazine

rick lundstrom Editor in Chief, PAX International www.pax-intl.com

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Vol. 17, no. 6

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Contents industry sPeaks out 12

AIX fAll clAssIc Exhibitor totals have climbed to 110 this year, as the Aircraft Interiors Expo prepares for another big show in Seattle

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APEX rEAchEs out Visitors to this year’s IFSA/APEX Expo will see increased event integration and the desire of an Association to reach the world in several ways. All according to plan, says the group’s outgoing president

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‘lEvErAgE to thE fullEst’ From AVOD to AVA and beyond, the new CEO of Thales’ IFEC group sees the company taking shape in new directions of the passenger experience

ife and connectivity

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stAyIng wEll-connEctEd For airline passengers, connectivity at every step of their journey is an expected convenience, and suppliers say airlines are increasingly asking for timelines to installation as much as they are asking about cost

Flip to page 28 to read about the evolution of consumer electronics and its affect on tray table designs.

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The connecTed cabin

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how thE tAblEs hAvE turnEd Manufactures around the globe are equipping economy-class tray tables with new and innovative designs to accommodate the immense amount of passengers traveling with portable electronic devices

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stAyIng tunEd In PAX International listens in on to how leading suppliers and manufacturers of headsets stay tuned in to the IFE market

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Flying high in comForT

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easing The way

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saFeTy behind The scenes

editor’s Note

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News

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people News

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what’s hot

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assoCiatioN News

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CaleNdar |

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interiors

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thE rIght mIX Pax International spoke to IFE Systems makers about how they’re using traditional and wireless IFE Systems to give customers the best entertainment experience inflight

oN the Cover:

dePartments

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Inflight electronics specialist KID-Systeme is poised to shake up the market

Supracor takes to the skies with in-flight seating

The subject of teaming embedded inflight entertainment with seating from a varied and growing number of companies will addressed head-on at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo Pax International spoke to three companies about how their products keep passengers safe in the cabin

Everybody deserves a Hybrite The wannahave equipment

FULL PAGe Ad ALREADY SERVING MORE THAN 150.000 PASSENGERS EVERY DAY ZODIAC GALLEYS & EQUIPMENT

NEWS AIRLINE NEWS

African LCC selects Acro seating The contract includes six shipsets and equates to 1,116 economy class seats. The UItra R seats on the first newly re-fitted Boeing 737-800 entered service in mid-August with the second aircraft set to arrive by the end of that month.

Acro Aircraft Seating is currently in negotiations with Mango Airlines for an additional two shipsets due for completion in 2014.

Mango Airlines is South Africa’s state-run low cost airline based in Johannesburg.

“Crucially, the weight savings of approximately 800kg per aircraft will help the airline improve fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and realize significant cost savings to the extent that the new Ultra R seats will literally pay for themselves,” said a August 19 press release from Acro. “The seats feature attractive E-Leather upholstery and a modular seatback with a generous recline of more than four inches.”

“Fuel efficiency along with passenger comfort were the key drivers in Mango’s decision to select the Ultra R seat,” said Doug Hacking, Commercial Director, Acro Aircraft Seating. “Passengers will certainly notice the difference – its lightweight and slim design of the seatback offers outstanding comfort and more shin and legroom space. The Ultra R seat proves that comfortable travel with more space in economy class is possible.”

Acro seating has been installed on Royal Air Maroc, Thomas Cook Airlines, Jet2. com and Aer Arann.

The Acro Ultra R seat has been installed on several carriers, and will be on Mango Airlines’ fleet of 737-800s UK-based Acro Aircraft Seating has secured a contract to manufacture and install its Ultra R seats aboard Mango Airlines entire fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft

JetBlue to bring lie-flat comfort to trans-con next year JetBlue Airways in Augusts unveiled its new, fully customized lie-flat seat for transcontinental routes.

The new lie-flat seats, supplied by Thompson Aero Seating are expected to debut in new A321 aircraft beginning in the second quarter of 2014 on nonstop routes between New York and Los Angeles and New York and San Francisco.

“In addition, JetBlue will be the first and only airline in the market to offer customers the option of a completely separate single suite seat that includes a closable door for increased privacy,” said a release from JetBlue.

JetBlue CEO Dave Barger introduced the new seat at the Global Business Travel Association convention in San Diego. A computergenerated video of the new, enhanced experience, as well as JetBlue’s to the core JetBlue Experience was part of the program.

The new lie-flat seat, created in a partnership with Northern Ireland-based Thompson Aero Seating, will be displayed in unique 2-1 configuration. Rows 1, 3 and 5 will offer 2-by-2 seating, and rows 2 and 4 will offer private suites, with one seat on each side of the aisle.

The new seats also offer air cushions with adjustable firmness, a massage function, a 15-inch widescreen television and a “wake-mefor-service” indicator if the customer chooses to sleep in. JetBlue will refresh the core JetBlue Experience in 2014, which will include a comfortable seat design with movable headrests, a new entertainment system with up to 100 channels of DirecTV® programming on 10.1-inch widescreens, and 110-volt and USB power port.

“Transcontinental routes have had high premium fares we believe we can beat,” said Barger. “By offering our own, unique seats and enriched service elements that will include some soon-to-beannounced partnerships, we are creating a one-of-a-kind experience that will serve this market in a way only JetBlue can.”

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JetBlue’s wholly owned subsidiary LiveTV will begin installing Fly-Fi on JetBlue’s fleet by the end of the year, a new high-speed, satellite-based Wi-Fi product that will offer broadband speeds.

JetBlue expects to increase frequencies on JFK-LAX and JFKSFO with new A321 aircraft next year to offer even more options, convenience and comfort for customers. There will be a dedicated sub-fleet of 11 aircraft initially used for the two core transcontinental routes. Additional markets are possible, based on customer response and demand for more service.

JetBlue’s new A321 aircraft begin arriving later this year and will have two configurations. The first four aircraft deliveries will offer the core JetBlue Experience throughout the cabin with capacity for 190 customers. In 2014 additional A321s will be delivered from Airbus, with 16 lie-flat seats, four of which are the private suites.

Thompson Aero Seating on JetBlue Airways premium cabin

NEWS AIRLINE NEWS

AIX EXhIbITOR NEWS

Germania gets content from IFE Services

IFE Services will provide the Berlin-based Germania with a regularly updated package of Hollywood movies popular TV programs and music for the enjoyment of passengers across the airline’s entire fleet in German and English.

Founded in 1979, Germania flies to more than 50 international destinations. With main airports in Bremen, Dusseldorf, Erfurt/Weimar and Munich, Germania currently operates 10 737 and eight Airbus A319 aircraft, carrying approximately one million passengers in 2012.

IFE Services supplies a full range of services including movies, TV programs, audio, games, apps, safety and destination films, portable entertainment systems, onboard publications and AVOD technical support and management.

IFE Services works with a broad client-base worldwide of over 50 airlines and cruise ship operators. The company’s headquarters are in Cheshire, UK with regional offices located in Madrid, Singapore, Santiago, Sao Paulo, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Oberhausen, Johannesburg and Irvine, California. IFE Services is a privately owned company and part of the Travel Entertainment Group.

Mills Textiles Mills Textiles have been supplying travel textiles to the airline, train & cruise sectors for more than 25 years & our associated supply & joint venture relationships in China extend back more than 90 years.

Our key products include: Hot & Cold Towels, Tablelinen (Napkins, Tablecloths, Tray mats), Headrest Covers, Pillows & Pillow Covers, Duvets & Duvet Covers, Sleep Items & Blankets.

Mills Textiles offer customers flexible supply solutions ranging from factory direct pricing/supply through to full warehousing & distribution worldwide.

Kydex thermoplastic sheeting has FAA approval The first FAA and aviation OEM -compliant, colorful thermoplastic translucent sheets are available from KYDEX LLC. KYDEX frosted translucent sheets “liberate light and color,” said a release from the company. Seating installations, monuments and dividers that once blocked light can now transmit it, color it and transform it into an active design element. That allows designers to create a cohesive, consistent and customized interior. One that makes the most of LED lighting, and communicates the airline brand through form, color and texture.

The new material is being introduced to select specifiers and customers, with a focus on project-specific applications. As the product and palette expands, so will the availability of the product.

KYDEX also hosted the European debut of its new style forward palette. A 64-color offering is composed of six collections: Constant, Impulse, Resolve, Tangents, Tempest and Repose. The colors can be mixed and matched, and also be used as starting points for limitless customized hues.

InflightDirect

InflightDirect has been partnering with the world’s leading manufacturing facilities for the past 26 years. These facilities have proven to be the most reliable factories that have supplying the airline industry world-wide with IFE headphones, Amenity Kits, Blankets, Pillows, Pillow covers and other inflight products.

InflightDirect represents these factories in order to give our valuable airline customers factory direct pricing. We provide all of the production, communication, logistical and warehousing needs while giving our customer the option of being invoiced

by InflightDirect or the factory. This ensures the most competitive pricing in the industry for these high volume items.

Mills Textiles PO Box 67, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY111WD, UK tel: + 44 (0)1691 656092 sales@millstextiles.com www.millstextiles.com InflightDirect 125 Compton View Drive, Middletown, RI 02842, USA Tel: +1-401-714-4190 Skype: thomas.mockler10 sales@InflightDirect.com www.InflightDirect.com

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NEWS AIX EXhIbITOR NEWS

Victrex polymer picked for Amphenol clamps Amphenol has chosen the VICTREX® PEEK polymer for its high performance wiring, cable, and hydraulic tubing clamps, selecting the product for its superior strength and ability to reduce overall weight.

Originally developed for the new all-composite 787 aircraft, the new high performance clamps are composed of the VICTREX PEEK polymer, a high performance thermoplastic that is overmolded with a silicone rubber cushion.

“By using VICTREX PEEK polymer, Amphenol was able to develop a lighter and stronger clamp — one that, unlike metal, is completely non-corrosive and non-conductive for use throughout the aircraft,” said a release from the company.

“VICTREX PEEK polymers are exceptionally strong, inert, inherently flame retardant, and can be easily fabricated into tight tolerance parts,” said Michael Sandeen, Product and Technical Leader at Victrex. “They offer significant advantages to aerospace engineers looking for lightweight materials that provide processing flexibility, reduce manufacturing costs and provide durability in harsh environments. VICTREX PEEK polymers have successfully displaced metals, traditional composites and other plastics in a growing number of aerospace applications.”

Amphenol uses a proprietary silicone over-molding process to produce the high performance clamps, which are also used in a wide range of shipboard, industrial and railway applications.

The over-mold process bonds the silicone rubber cushion to the plastic. Unlike cushions in metal clamps, they will not detach or come off, thereby reducing the possibility of wire chafing. In addition, because the cushions allow for varying compressions, the same size clamp can accommodate multiple bundle diameters.

Driven by Amphenol’s lean manufacturing expertise, the high performance clamps are equipped with a locking feature that makes installation quick and easy. Another feature of the high performance clamps is the easily recognizable labels on the top and bottom of each clamp. This enables quick inspection, allowing installers to easily distinguish between clamps and eliminate time wasted in identifying diameters.

In either a single leg (P-clamp) and double leg (Omega) configurations, the new high performance clamps are available in 36 sizes, allowing them to meet most wire bundle and applicationspecific load requirements. They are also compatible with tubing up to 2” diameter.

IMC Aerospace open Nanjing plant IMC/IMCI Aerospace Group has opened its latest facility, Nanjing Arrowhead Products, located in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China.

“This new location brings all the products, technology, management systems and experience of Arrowhead Products to the heart

of the dynamic and growing Chinese aerospace market,” said a release from the group.

Nanjing Arrowhead Products is a purpose-built, 118,000 square foot facility divided between 100,000 square feet of production, inspection and test and 18,000 square feet of design and administration. It is located on a 15-acre site to allow for future expansion.

Fabrication, testing and processIMC’s new plant has acreage for future expansion ing capability for flexible, composite and metallic products and the production of low pressure and high-pressure Aerospace ducting systems and products at the plant.

IMC/IMCI Aerospace Group offers engineering, design, manufacturing and test for the full range of High Pressure and Low Pressure Ducting systems, using a wide range of metallic and non-metallic materials. Its Total System Capability from ducting components to complete Low and High Pressure Air Distribution systems enables it to provide its customers with what it says is a one-stop shop.

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NEWS AIX EXhIbITOR NEWS

National Nonwovens launches flame barrier dress cover National Nonwovens announced the introduction of Ultra-ProTechtor™, the first fire-blocker for all aircraft seating dress covers.

Ultra-ProTechtor™ is a nonwoven lightweight flame barrier utilizing Ultem® polymer and newly developed Ultem® fibers by Sabic Innovative Plastics.

“Ultra-ProTechtor™ is engineered to provide ultra-flammability protection with superior performance at a lower weight and lower cost,” said Anthony Centofanti, CEO and President at National Nonwovens.

“Although it was initially designed for the Aerospace Market, UltraProTechtor™ can also greatly benefit other markets that have modes of transportation requiring fire-blockers.”

The enhanced construction of Ultra-ProTechtor™ provides increased stability along with significant property improvements, including: low smoke density and toxicity, water repellency, low heat release, high punc-

ture resistance, and improved fire-blocking protection at a lighter weight.

In addition, it has superior seam, tear and tensile strength resulting in less stretch and is formaldehyde free. Ultra-ProTechtor™ was also tested and met FAR25-853-A and C amendments 25-116-appendex F part II by two independent US laboratories.

Ultra-ProTechtor™ combines the National Nonwovens advanced engineering with the superior Ultem® fiber technology and the result is material that is inherently more fire-resistant than Aramids. It has a higher Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) rating than either Nomex or Kevlar. LOI is an index that rates the fire-resistance properties according to the minimum concentration of oxygen, expressed as a percentage. The higher the number, the greater resistance of the polymer to support a flame; Ultra-ProTechtor has an LOI of 44 while Nomex has an LOI of 26 and Kevlar has an LOI of 31.

CATERING

Flying Food Group welcomes five airline customers, adds six routes Since the start of this year, Chicago-based Flying Food Group (FFG) has added five new airline customers and is catering six new routes for new or existing customers.

Nicolas Rondeau, Executive Vice President of Airline Sales at Flying Food said this added business “affirms FFG’s strong reputation in the industry, and also reflects customer satisfaction with FFG quality and service.”

New customers include Aeromexico from Flying Food’s Miami unit. In February, Aeromexico added daily flights from Orlando and multi-day flights from Chicago.

Aeromexico flies from the U.S. to Mexico City and several other locations in the country. airberlin chose Flying Food to in March to cater its new A330-200 route between Chicago and Berlin. The airline now operates five flights per week on the route.

Austrian Airlines launched a new route between Chicago and Vienna in May with seven flights per week. Also Hainan Airlines has chosen Flying Food Group to cater its new route between Chicago and Beijing, starting September 3.

Finally, Qatar Airways has chosen FFG at both Chicago and New York to cater its nonstop service to Doha. In April FFG began catering Qatar’s new route between Chicago and Doha. The route launched with three weekly flights and expanded to daily flights in June. In July, FFG took over all catering for Qatar’s current daily flights between JFK and Doha.

Also this past year, All-Nippon-Airlines launched a new route between San Jose and Narita Airport in Tokyo, choosing cuiFlying Food Group caters Austrian airlines from its headquarters city of Chicago sine produced at Flying Food’s San Francisco kitchen and delivered to San Jose via special truck.

China Eastern chose Flying Food to cater its new daily route between San Francisco and Shanghai as of April.

TFS and gategroup team up for lounge management at BOM Performa, gategroup’s manager of lounge operations, announced in August that it would manage the lounges at the new Terminal 2 of GVK Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai.

Set to be operational later this year, all four airline lounges at the new terminal will be jointly operated by Performa and TFS. “Synergies with other gategroup brands, such as caterer Gate Gourmet, will enable operations to leverage a broad understanding of the local food market and latest hospitality industry trends,” said a release from gategroup.

TFS is a large food and beverage concessionaire in India, catering to more than 50 million travelers with major operations at the integrated Terminal 3 at Delhi and in Mumbai. The partners are also collaborating in a joint venture operating under the ‘TFS-Gate’ brand name and are currently focusing on developing food and beverage service for low cost carriers in India.

“We are very pleased to work with both GVK Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL) and TFS in this exciting new venture, bringing the best of all parties together to create a memorable guest experience for the passengers at Terminal 2 in Mumbai,” said Herman Anbeek, Group Senior Vice President & President Emerging Markets at gategroup. “The expansion of the existing partnership for retail onboard to lounges builds on the roots and strengths of our two companies. It combines the experience and know-how of gategroup’s Performa with the experience and know-how of TFS in the airport retail and services in Mumbai and other major cities of India. Together with GVK MIAL we aim to set a new standard in India at the Terminal 2 in Mumbai.” www.pax-intl.com

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PEOPLE NEWS

Nenning heads U.S. sales at En Route

Nora Nenning has been appointed Head of Sales USA for En Route International.

She has been recruited to manage and grow the existing base of travel and leisure business in the U.S. while expanding new distribution through other food service, retail and private label channels. Nenning gained extensive experience in sales, marketing and business development during her 15-year career with Nora Nenning Nestlé USA. En Route International designs and supplies premium bakery & food solutions, packed and branded to airline specifications and delivered anywhere in the world.

Serna to develop business for Alison Price On Air

Alison Price On Air has appointed Juan Carlos Serna to the newly created role of Business Development Manager.

Working alongside Daniel Hulme, Managing Director of Alison Price On Air and reporting directly to him, Serna will be responsible for developing and expanding new client business opportunities.

He brings more than 20 years experience to the role having worked previously in the luxury goods sector for Gieves and Hawkes, Polo Ralph Lauren and Mulberry at Harrod’s where he was responsible for VVIP clients including the Royal Family.

Most recently, he served as Business Development Director at Altitude Millbank where he arranged the sale of the 35,000 square foot Altitude venue to De Vere Venues.

Jonathan Norris new VP sales at Lumexis

Jonathan Norris is now the Vice President 10

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of Sales for inflight entertainment supplier Lumexis Corporation.

B efore joining Lu m e x i s , Nor r i s served as Executive Director of Trade Media and Events at Jonathan Norris Ink with broad responsibilities, including the APEX Airline Passenger Experience magazine account.

Previously he was at Airbus where he served in a number of key management roles including Vice President of the Cabin Design Office, leading the development of cabin interiors and cabin systems for all Airbus aircraft programs, and A350 XWB Cabin and Cargo Program Manager. Before joining Airbus, he was Chief Design Engineer on the 728JET with Fairchild Dornier and Chief of Repair Engineering with BAE SYSTEMS Regional Aircraft.

Kapeckas tracks revenue for Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines has announced the appointment of Bryan Kapeckas to the position of director - revenue analytics, with responsibility for supporting the company’s revenue management and commercial initiatives.

“Bryan’s specialized skills and experience will be a terrific asset to Hawaiian as we continue to expand operations domestically and internationally,” said Andrew Watterson, Hawaiian Airlines Vice President, Planning & Revenue Management.

Kapeckas brings 13 years of airline revenue

management, alliance and partnership experience to Hawaiian. Before joining Hawaiian, he served as manager, alliance and airline partnerships at JetBlue Airways where he was responsible for negotiating partnerships with international airlines. He previously served as manager, revenue management at JetBlue and as specialist/team lead, inventory management and project manager, revenue management training at U.S. Airways.

Stennes new Vice President at Silver Airways

Vicky Stennes has joined Silver Airways as Vice President - Airports and Guest Services.

As Vice President she will be in charge of the airline’s activities in airports, reservations, inflight service and customer care.

Stennes is outgoing Chairperson of the International Flight Services Association.

This year, she did consulting work for the Mulberry Group since leaving JetBlue Airways late last year where she was Vice President of Inflight Vicky Stennes Experience. Before that, she had a long career with Delta Air Lines. Her last position was Managing Director of Inflight Customer Service.

Silver Airways is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It operates 200 daily flights with scheduled service to the Bahamas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Montana.

Two named to SmartTray board SmartTray International, LLC recently announced two new members to its Board of Directors, Charlie DiToro and Brian J. Queenin.

DiToro served in senior leadership positions as President of Brite Media Group; Chief Operating Officer of Clear Channel Taxi Media; COO of Triumph Media; Regional President of Commodore Media (Capstar Broadcasting and AM/FM); and Director of Sales & Development for COX Cable Communications.

Queenin was most recently a partner at IBM Global Business Services in the Business Analytics and Optimization (BAO) practice. Before that, he served in Partner and Senior Executive positions for Accenture, Ernst & Young/ Capgemini, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Xtropian.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Your premium passengers want the best. So why not treat them to a more relaxing flight? Exclusive Bose technologies make the QC®15 headphones our

Bose QuietComfort 15 ®

®

Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones

best and quietest ever. Your

premium fliers will be able to focus better on the in-flight entertainment. Or take advantage of the noise cancellation to quietly relax and think in peace. Consumer Traveler said, “For use in airplane travel, I consider the Bose QuietComfort 15 the best overall.” No other headphones offer the same combination of

less noise, lifelike sound and a comfortable fit. And our high-quality materials and attention to detail make the Bose QC15 headphones a reliable long-term investment. Try them for yourself and we think you’ll agree…they will enhance the value of your IFE system, delight your passengers and help differentiate your airline brand.

For more information, please contact us at your convenience:

1-508-766-4075 or airlineheadphones@Bose.com ©2012 Bose Corporation. Quote reprinted with permission.

Th e distinctive design of the headphone oval ring is a trademark of Bose Corporation.

AIX Q&A WITh KATIE muRPhy

AIX fall classic Exhibitor totals have climbed to 110 this year, as the Aircraft Interiors Expo prepares for another big show in Seattle

T

he Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas again touches down in the Emerald City of Seattle October 1-3 and will bring with it a crop of new exhibitors and industry insiders to the aviation hub of North America.

In late summer, Reed Exhibitions’ Katie Murphy, Exhibition Director of Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas spoke with PAX International on the history of the Americas event and the state of the cabin services industry, which is primed to match growth in the world’s airline fleet.

PAX International: Could we get a bit of history of the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas event? When did it begin and how did it take shape in relation to the industry’s large event in Hamburg?

Katie Murphy: Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas was launched in 2008 at Long Beach in California and a forum called the ‘Cabin Innovation Congress’ ran alongside the exhibition to discuss future cabin concepts. In addition, this show was co-located with the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA). In 2010, Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas united with the International Flight Services Association’s (IFSA) and WAEA’s respective annual conferences and exhibitions to create the largest event across North America.

The 2011 event moved to Seattle and the Expo was again run in parallel with IFSA and the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), formerly the WAEA, which changed its name in the same year. In 2012, Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas was held in Seattle as a stand-alone event and the 2013 event will again be staged in Seattle incorporating the launch of the Seating & IFE Integration Symposium.

With its progressive focus on the needs of airlines and suppliers within this specialized industry, visitors have unrivaled networking opportunities with a wide range of companies from around the world. Consequently, the rising demand from both exhibitors and visitors alike for Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas mirrors the continuing growth of the Hamburg event.

PAX: Two months out from the event, how 12

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are registration and attendance prospects shaping up?

Murphy: In terms of the Expo itself, to date, confirmed exhibitors include Airbus, AkzoNobel Aerospace Coatings, Diehl Aerosystems, Lufthansa Technik, STG Aerospace and Zodiac Aerospace - in total we currently have 110 exhibitors. Because Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas is the largest dedicated aircraft interiors event in the Americas region, we also have specialist exhibitors such as Saint Gobain Performance Plastics who will be promoting its custom thermo-formed and composite parts for commercial aircraft applications.

For the Seating & IFE Integration Symposium, we have recently secured additional industry speakers from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Geven and Qantas Airways, who will be joining an impressive line-up of confirmed keynote speakers from Airbus, B/E Aerospace and Delta Air Lines so registration is already ramping up for what promises to be a thought-provoking Symposium.

PAX: Which are a few of the companies that will be exhibiting for the first time and what will they be showing?

Murphy: Currently, we have 25 first-time exhibitors and I’m delighted to confirm that Lufthansa Technik, Diehl Aerosystems, SkyPaxxx Interior Repairs and 3A Composites/ Baltek, Inc. will be exhibiting for the first time. There will also be a Chinese company called Egret Aviation, which designs and manufactures aircraft galley service equipment. It will be promoting its standard and customized in-flight meal carts, beverage carts, duty-free sales carts, standard containers, oven racks and folding trolleys. Examples of other debut exhibitors include Flexfab LLC, Gütermann Polygal Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. and PPG Aerospace.

PAX: How has the year been for suppliers of cabin service products? Has the outlook changed much since Hamburg?

Murphy: In May 2013, Lucintel published its commercial aerospace seating market outlook 2013-2020 based on an in-depth analysis of North America and Europe as well as other markets. Due to the on-going economic climate, the market is likely to

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Katie Murphy

experience moderate growth in the short run but good growth opportunities exist in the long-term due to increasing opportunities in retrofitting and the OEM segment of the seating market.

It is important that we continue to monitor the market to ensure that Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas keeps right up to date, especially with commercial aerospace as a whole. A significant indicator was provided

by Boeing at the Paris Air Show with its 20-year market outlook, which projected a demand for more than 35,000 new airplanes valued at $4.8 trillion. Of interest to the interiors community, the single-aisle market is the main driver with 24,670 airplanes.

PAX: Why did you decide to add the symposium on seat integration to this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas?

Murphy: A key objective for us as organizers is to ensure that our events are timely, relevant and educational. With the introduction of personal devices, new technologies, Wi-Fi and the drivers for lighter aircraft, IFE and seat integration is the focus for many airlines right now. The Seating & IFE Integration Symposium will explore the topical issues in four interactive sessions and by staging this event with leading industry experts, they will be discussing the latest trends to create an interactive educational forum.

PAX: The Aircraft Interiors Expo for the Americas stays in Seattle because it’s the largest aviation hub of North America and Reed Exhibitions has been visiting for several years. Any particular places in the city that would be attractive to the aviation interests of attendees?

Murphy: Well, I think the Museum of Flight is worth a visit, as it has more than 150 historic aircraft on display, including a retired British Airways Concorde jetliner and there is a wide variety of restored World War I and II fighter aircraft. Of course further afield is the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo, Washington where visitors can tour the Boeing plant and view an aviation gallery with interactive exhibits on commercial aviation.

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Q&A WITh LINDA CELESTINO Linda Celestino

APEX reaches out Visitors to this year’s IFSA/APEX Expo will see increased event integration and the desire of an Association to reach the world in several ways. All according to plan, says the group’s outgoing President

A

irline Passenger Experience Association President Linda Celestino finishes her term in 2013.

The General Manager Inflight Services and Product at Oman Air, Celestino set out with several goals when she took the helm of the group in 2012. As the year comes to a close, she talked with PAX International about her tenure and her pride in a region that is still at the forefront of inflight entertainment.

PAX International: What were some of your goals and objectives when you became President of APEX? Linda Celestino: During my first term, I laid out three core objectives: to grow and broaden membership, to strengthen the APEX community, and to expand the association’s global presence. As these goals are largely in line with longstanding association initiatives, we’ve made significant progress in each regard.

To grow our membership base, we’ve launched an aggressive campaign to bring more non-IFE&C members into the fold.

We’ve engaged existing members and reached out to prospective members in the key areas of comfort, ambience and services. Part of our outreach involved the integration of International Flight Services Association (IFSA) exhibitors into our annual EXPO. We also put a heavy focus on comfort and ambience on the exhibit floor, in our media and in our educational programming.

To bolster a strong sense of community, we’ve taken steps to increase transparency and to garner member feedback. We’ve ramped up our communications with members, as well, including regular reporting of Board meetings.

And to become a more global association, we’ve expanded into new regions in the last year – notably in South America and Asia.

We’re especially excited about our upcoming Educational Event in Shanghai, China, November 4-5. It’s our first solo event in that region, and a sign of things to come.

PAX: In recent years, the WAEA became APEX. What has this done for the Association?

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Celestino: Most significantly, the change has the highest integrity in the industry, and from WAEA to APEX reflects an association for that reason we look forward to more and mandate to expand beyond the association’s more passengers participating. Between traditional IFE&C niche. The membership promotions by APEX and the members, we has embraced that mission and has helped expect the awards will gain greater recognius attract new members from such sectors as tion beyond the industry.

The Passenger Choice Awards program seating, interiors, fabrics, carpets and much more. As a result, we’ve seen growth in our enjoys a global reach. And since the survey annual EXPO and more robust educational – www.passengerchoicewards.com – is programming at our events around the open to every single traveller, it’s important world. More importantly, APEX membership that we make it relevant to all flyers, regardincreasingly reflects what is happening in less of their level of expertise on the subject. the marketplace where there must be strong APEX tailor-made the survey to be easy, coordination and collaboration among all understandable and useful for all passengers who touch the passenger experience.

– whether they fly weekly for business or once Overall, we’re growing this association a year for pleasure. to be more representative of what is hapThe program helps our airline members pening in the marketplace where there must connect with the people who are directly be strong coordination and collaboration impacted by what we do: the passengers. among all – companies and profession- Our participating airline members see the als – who impact passenger experience. So program as a huge benefit for their own many components feed into what passengers research on passenger preferences, and allows see, hear and feel while inflight, and APEX them to benchmark against industry data. comprises it all.

Each quarter, we supply them with reports PAX: This year, APEX and IFSA are much that describe in detail how passengers feel. more of an integrated event. What led to The “comments” section is especially valuable, the decision? as it lets passengers express their thoughts Celestino: The collaboration between APEX more directly. and IFSA is part of our larger strategy for PAX: You work at a Middle Eastern airline. more diverse and useful events for all of our Are they still leading the way in inflight members and industry stakeholders. In the entertainment evolution? past, we have co-located with IFSA, but to a Celestino: From an industry perspective, the lesser extent – attendees had limited access, Middle East is widely recognized as setting the separate exhibit floors were much more the bar in passenger experience. The region defined and educational and networking is renowned for luxurious ground facilities events were more narrowly focused. and services that continue throughout the We expect members of both associations duration of the flight. It serves as a reminder will enjoy the benefits of a more closely of what the capabilities truly are with respect aligned event beginning on Day 1. Our Edu- to an extraordinary passenger experience. cational Sessions, for example, now include Additionally, Middle Eastern companies five breakout tracks, one of which is specific have always been among the strongest supto the catering and services sector. And with porters of APEX, and they consistently are at the walls removed between the two exhibit the forefront of inflight innovations. It’s no halls, all attendees will be able to visit every coincidence that Middle Eastern companies exhibit more freely. have had steady representation on our Board PAX: The Passenger Choice Awards have of Directors – the APEX/WAEA president made significant changes with the associa- has represented Middle Eastern countries tion with Nielsen. Can you see the awards for six of the last 20 years, and in the last reaching an audience outside the industry? year, three of 11 Board members were from Celestino: We think our awards program Middle Eastern airlines.

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ThALES Q&A

‘Leverage to the fullest’

From AVOD to AVA and beyond, the new CEO of Thales’ IFEC group sees the company taking shape in new directions of the passenger experience Dominique Giannoni took the helm as CEO of Thales Group’s Inflight Entertainment and Connectivity business this past summer.

He was most recently with the company’s Underwater Systems and Military Avionics business lines.

“His wealth of knowledge in electronics and telecommunications provides an excellent foundation for our product policy and future roadmap,” said the company.

Giannoni laid out several directions on where the company has been and where it’s going in a discussion with PAX International.

PAX International: Looks like the most recent news is the further installations of the TopSeries with British Airways. What is the progress of installation and has the system gone into service with BA? Dominique Giannoni: The first aircraft with the Thales TopSeries IFE went into service with British Airways in August 2010. Three years later Thales has 34 Aircraft in service (7,688 Seats) as follows: 18x 777-200, 6x 777300, 7x A321, 1x A380, 2x 787. By December 2014, there will be 53 Aircraft in service (14,063 Seats) as follows: 18x 777-200, 12x 777-300, 7x A321, 8x A380, 8x B787.

The Thales TopSeries IFE system features AVOD, (Box sets) audio, games, 3D-GeoFusionMaps, seat-to-seat chat and a picture viewer. The system also is used in “Gate-2Gate” mode, which means it is available to entertain from the moment you step onto the aircraft to the time you leave. All of the aircraft are supported from a new Thales maintenance hub that has been setup at London Heathrow.

PAX: Last year the TopSeries AVA system was in trials. At what stage is the launch of that product?

Giannoni: We successfully installed TopSeries AVA on a LAN Airlines A320 earlier this year. Later this year we will also be deploying AVA on multiple aircraft for a major airline client based in the Middle

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East. We now have an industry leading product that is robust, rich in features and in active use by airline passengers – using their own devices. TopSeries AVA not only provides passengers with a full range of AVOD content options – movies, TV and audio programming – it also delivers a variety of other content and services, for example a moving map, a news service with daily updates in multiple languages, and the ability to gather surveys and other usage information. Initial responses have been great, and we believe a key part of that positive feedback is the ability for passengers to use the system with a really wide range of devices, not just iPads but also any laptops, Android smartphones and tablets.

A key feature of the Thales solution is our ability to provide a complete turnkey service to our clients. For LAN we are managing the entire process, from content selection and licensing through to digital delivery. We have created an infrastructure that enables us to transmit the content via the Internet, directly to the airline’s hub and then from there the content is loaded on to the aircraft via a wireless network. This last stage goes live very soon with the implementation of GateSync at LAN’s Santiago base. This process provides an end-to-end digital delivery solution that completely takes away the need for manual loading and the time, cost and potential operational hassles.

PAX: What aspects of cabin service will AVA be able to perform aside from that of the passenger?

Giannoni: TopSeries AVA is more than just an IFE product. AVA serves as a platform that enables a wide range of other services.

The news and user surveys have already been mentioned. The launch product also provides the ability for airline staff to have a different portal from the passengers, so that they can carry out airline specific services via the system. Now that AVA is successfully flying

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Dominique Giannoni

with the initial feature set, we are looking at what other features is a priority for our clients. We are not currently providing catering related services – for example ordering food and drinks from the passenger’s device – but AVA has the potential to support the addition of other application based services when we have an airline client that wishes us to develop them.

PAX: The industry is talking quite a bit about “passenger experience” these days. Is Thales developing any sort of technology to help airlines with those tasks?

Giannoni: Yes. Thales is developing several personalization experiences for the passenger which includes; personalized welcome screens; personalized movie, music, books, food and social networking; personalized shopping and duty free based on key likes and dislikes; mobilization and portability of this personalization information from anywhere to anywhere via the cloud or Personal Electronic Device; personalized experience from home, hotel, car, limo, taxis, airport to aircraft and back.

PAX: In the announcement, you said you would be involved in growing Thales IFEC business with “value-added propositions.” Any examples or specifics you can talk about?

Giannoni: Our business in the areas of Connectivity and Media are both in their early stages of development. As these areas continue to mature airlines will realize new value-added support especially in their operations. In terms of the passenger experience, we are ramping up new relationships with application developers that will expand our content and application library appropriate for passenger use. The Android OS is our latest platform, which we will leverage to the fullest.

Consultancy & Design Product Development Manufacturing & Logistics Quality Management

IFE REPORT

The number of BlueBox’s systems in operation have doubled in the last year

tHe RIGHT MIX PAX International spoke to IFE systems manufacturers about how they’re using traditional and wireless IFE Systems to give customers the best entertainment experience by John Guise

S

taying connected to the Internet is ubiquitous in today’s society. In airport lounges around the world people are constantly on their smart phones and tablets before they catch a flight. They’re often multitasking by reading e-mail, an e-book or connecting to social networks on more than one device.

Passengers now want that multitasking experience on board as well. That is putting a demand on IFE system manufacturers and forcing them to get creative about how they keep people entertained on an aircraft.

Lumexis As Lumexis executives monitored the IFE systems market over the last year, they saw that while Wi-Fi connectivity was growing as predicted, the market for traditional seatback systems appeared stable in wide body and actually growing in long-haul narrow body aircraft. However, they understand that passengers in the age of smart phones and tablets often want more than one screen to stay entertained during a flight.

“I don’t know what your office looks like but I’ve got multiple screens on my desk – a laptop plus attached extra monitor, an iPad, and an iPhone – and they’re all sitting there, powered up offering up different things at the same time in my office. Now, with FTTS Second Screen™, you can do that on your airplane,” said Doug Cline, Lumexis’ CEO. Lumexis has combined its fiberoptic IFE system, Fiber-To-The-Screen (FTTS) with a 18

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WiFi connection allowing for second screen capability on a passenger’s iPad, PC tablet or smart phone. “You can order food, you can do catalog shopping without interrupting your movie that’s on the main screen,” Cline said.

Lumexis will be showcasing its secondscreen feature for its FTTS system along with the latest generation of its 9, 10 and 12 inch seat-back monitors at its APEX booth this year. The monitors show high-definition movies and television programs in 1080pixel resolution, with each one delivered through Lumexis’ fiber-optic network at six or eight megabits per second.

The use of fiber optic cable means that the FTTS is easier to upgrade than other traditional seat-back systems without rewiring any part of the aircraft. With it’s Generation 3 monitors, Lumexis has added in-seat storage for triple redundancy so even with multiple system failures, all passengers would still have access to content that has been stored on the system.

“If there’s a failure in your server, you’ll see zero change in your video. You’ll continue with full access to any of the many hundreds of movies available, from a different server or a different path,” Cline said. “If you would have an extremely rare, double failure, you would have access to the locally-stored, seat-centric content of, say 30, or so highdefinition movies, games and whatever else would be in storage.”

The company still sees strong benefit for a

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Wi-Fi-only system in the short-to-medium haul airline market and has developed its WiPAX system to cater to those customers.

The WiPAX system is designed to provide both entertainment and retail service offerings including menu ordering and inflight retail to its customers The last year has been a good one for the company and its FTTS system. The FTTS system has not only helped Lumexis’ clients, such as low-cost carrier flydubai, provide their passengers with the latest blockbuster films, it’s earned them environmental awards. flydubai received the International Travel Catering Mercury Award for environmental and sustainability award for using Lumexis’ FTTS. Those environmental savings came from the weight savings delivered by the FTTS system. With its fiberoptic cable network and fewer servers and other box units than a traditional system, the FTTS system weighs about 60% less than legacy systems found in many aircraft. flydubai claimed in a press release that Lumexis’ FTTS system saves it $2.37 million on fuel and reduces the airline’s carbon emission by 7.5 million kilograms annually.

The FTTS system’s durability demonstrating 99.9% seat availability, along with its operational and fuel cost savings helped Lumexis to sign Turkish Airlines as a client earlier this year. Turkish Airlines will have the system installed on two A330s starting in September of this year.

IFE REPORT

Lumexis’ combined FTTS and Wi-Fi system allows passengers the convenience of a second screen

The company is also on a path that will allow it to drastically expand its customer base. Cline said Lumexis is currently working towards getting its FTTS system approved

by Boeing to have its products installed on the 737-800 and -900 series aircraft. The system has already passed the Phase I Aircraft Impact Assessment and is currently going through the Phase II process of LRU Qualification for line-fit. “This will be [Boeing’s] first new IFE system in 13 years. That is a big deal for us, so we will be pressing hard on that.

Expect to see announcements on that in the early 2014 timeframe,” he added.

PAVES On-demand is a seat-centric IFE system designed for single-aisle aircraft.

The system’s seat-centric architecture allows Rockwell Collins to help minimize the likelihood that its IFE systems will fail on multiple seats at any one time. For those seats that do fail, the monitors can be quickly popped out of the seat – even inflight or while a plane is being turned around at an airport – and replaced with a new monitor in minutes.

Passengers would be able to use the system about 45 seconds after installation while the monitor simultaneously downloads content from the aircrafts head server.

The easy installation also will also help to keep the cost of upgrading to future versions of the PAVES On-demand system low for the airlines. The initial release of the system is expected for late 2014.

The system’s architecture is specifically designed for a single-aisle aircraft, a market that Thomas said Rockwell Collins is focusing on because they currently feel its underserved

by IFE as more airlines are using them to fly longer flights than before.

PAVES On-demand system architecture allows airlines to put an IFE system in a single-aisle aircraft at about a 30-40% total

Rockwell Collins For Rockwell Collins’ its focus for this year’s APEX is exhibiting reliable IFE systems.

“Airlines invest a lot of money in IFE and they do it for one purpose -- to increase customer satisfaction because it is a competitive set. And when IFE works, customer satisfaction does go up,” said Jerry Thomas Principal Marketing Manager for Cabin Products with Rockwell Collins. “But once you introduce IFE on the aircraft and IFE doesn’t work or the IFE has issues, you drop your customer satisfaction to levels much lower than they were in the first place before you introduced IFE because you have changed expectations.”

To ensure that airlines can carry a reliable IFE system on board their aircraft, Rockwell has designed its PAVES On-demand system (previously known as PAVES 3). It will be exhibiting a full demonstration of the system at APEX this year.

Rockwell Collins’ PAVES On-demand system can be replaced within two minutes

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IFE REPORT ownership savings over Rockwell Collins’ competitors. A savings that Thomas said airlines appreciate as the high cost of installing an IFE system mention for a dual-aisle aircraft on a single-aisle aircraft makes it prohibitive.

Rockwell Collins is not only giving its customers easy control over installation and cost. It also wants to give them control over content. Airlines will be able to load nonencrypted content such as local and regional news to the PAVES On-demand system on their own, allowing them to potentially have different content on individual routes. The content will be integrated through a Rockwell Collins web portal. It can be then loaded on aircraft via a USB stick.

The company is also continuing to make progress on the wireless IFE system that it began developing with Thomas Cook last year. The partners plan to begin testing the system later this year or early next year depending on the airline’s schedule.

Thomas said that Rockwell Collins plans to market the system in conjunction with its PAVES On-demand and its PAVES Broadcast overhead IFE system. He said that a combination of systems is often a better offering as it ensures lower costs for the airline while at the same time offering the system reliability that passengers expect. Rockwell Collins can help airlines meet passengers’ different needs by having all three systems on the same aircraft.

BlueBox Avionics If you took a snapshot of where U.K. handheld IFE Systems producer BlueBox Avionics was a year ago and compared it to today you’d see a company that’s experiencing a period of dynamic growth.

“About a year ago we had approximately 4,000 units in active service. If you take a snapshot today, we have just a bit north of 8,000 units and in a couple months from now we’ll have almost 10,000 units in service so gives you a reasonable sense of how our position in this market has grown,” said Kevin Clark BlueBox’s Business Development Manager. “The scale of our installed business continues to grow and this is matched by the increasing scale of our pipeline.”

The company’s BlueBox Ai, iPad-based devices are currently available on a range of airlines such as Aeromexico, El Al, British Airways, Jetstar and Thai Airways amongst others. The company announced in August that Kazakhstan’s Air Astana has brought 850 BlueBox Ai units into service on its flights.

Airlines can either purchase iPads direct from BlueBox or supply their own, but in either case BlueBox will provide all service 20

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Glide is the first step for digEcor to make itself at total IFE solutions provider

Clark said BlueBox is currently working and technical support for the devices. Bluebox also offers an optional custom protective with one airline to secure a supplemental type case and external battery combination that certificate (STC) for its BlueBox wIFE device, provides an additional 20 hours of opera- which is expected later this year. The comtional life from a single battery. “This works pany is also speaking to many other airlines.

BlueBox will be exhibiting a full demonparticularly well for long haul flights,” said stration of its BlueBox wIFE system along Clark. “It also means that batteries can be quickly swapped at the end of the service with the new carousel interface for its Bluewithout the need to remove devices from Box handheld devices at APEX 2013 in the aircraft, simplifying logistics and rapid Anaheim, California. turn around.” BlueBox Ai has also recently entered service on the iPad Mini with the digEcor smaller form factor allowing more devices digEcor is known as portable a IFE provider to be carried on board an aircraft. but that is an impression that its new parent Of course Bluebox is aware that passen- company, Australia’s Total Aviation Solutions gers want access to the latest movies. Bluebox (TAS) hopes to change. With its purchase of Ai has been approved by Sony, Disney, Para- digEcor in August it is hoping to transform mount, Universal, Warner Brothers, and Fox the company into a complete IFE solutions for the delivery of Early Windows Content. provider.

BlueBox has also increased its global footdigEcor’s Director of Sales and Marketing, print. In early 2012 it established a service- Ben Fuller said the merger came after TAS and-support office in Australia to serve its and digEcor had partnered developing digEAsian and Australian clients. The office cor’s Glide Embedded IFE system. Through compliments its UK headquarters and its U.S. the Glide product development process it service and support office in Arkansas. Clark became clear that TAS could provide the said that he could see the company opening engineering experience while digEcor could an office in Asia as BlueBox’s business grows provide the IFE hardware and content to be in the region. a total system provider.

Technologically, BlueBox has also spent a It is a model that Fuller is excited about. large portion of the last 12 months developing “We’re morphing into a company – with this a wireless streaming solution called BlueBox new ownership – that will create and provide wireless IFE or wIFE. BlueBox wIFE allows an entire digital cabin experience. We can content to be streamed from an onboard take care of content, we can take care of overserver to both airline-owned and passenger- head systems, we can take care of seat back owned devices with the airline in control of systems, we can take care of portables and put who sees what content. ancillary revenue services on them,” he said.

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IFE REPORT digEcor’s Glide system is the next move in this direction. The seat-centric IFE was developed over the last year with TAS and is aimed as a replacement for overhead systems on aging wide-body and single-aisle aircraft at a lower price than legacy systems. Glide uses digEcor’s existing digEplayer L7 and L10 portable IFE devices, and embeds them into the seat back. The system also combines the monitor with a cabin management unit so all the content can be stored locally on the plane. Should a monitor fail, a new one can be installed in about 10 seconds allowing for quick replacement even inflight.

Glide was officially launched at AIX Hamburg earlier this year, but this year’s APEX show will be the first time digEcor has exhibited the product in the Americas. The Glide system is currently being installed on four 757 combi aircraft owned by Air Transport International, a U.S. charter airline. The aircraft will be used to carry U.S. servicemen and their families to military bases around the world.

Glide is just the first step in the pipeline to transform digEcor into a full end-to-end IFE provider. The company is developing ancillary revenue content including video

Zodiac’s RaveTM system features a new article reader

games, a moving map and an IFE shopping program. It is also looking at developing a new streaming IFE service and releasing a next generation portable device.

Fuller said the major focus for the company over the next couple of months is digEcor’s integration with TAS. “In the next

year, the integration of the companies will be up and running – and growing with a concentrated effort on customer service,” he said.

Zodiac Aerospace Before Zodiac Aerospace’s Zodiac Inflight Innovations entered the wireless streaming

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IFE REPORT IFE market it wanted to make sure that its RAVE™ embedded IFE system lived up to its name.

“We needed to make sure our current RAVE™ product catalog provide reliable, affordable, and very easy in-flight entertainment to our current airline customers,” Larry Girard, Zodiac’s Executive Vice President of Business Development said. “We have improved RAVE’s™ hardware and software to achieve this goal and now feel the time is ripe to enter into the streaming IFE market.”

Zodiac has improved its passenger-centric RAVE™ system by adding features such as an improved article reader, a “favorites” feature for the system’s video library and a mobile-based crew panel application. It will be exhibiting its updated RAVE™ embedded system as well as its streaming and its GSM to personal electronic device services at the company’s booth at this year’s APEX show.

The RAVE™ IFE system is currently flying in the fleets of Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, airberlin and Gulf Air. Zodiac recently signed deals with airline leasing firm International

Leasing Financial Corporation (ILFC) as well as Transaero and one with Congo’s ECAir in July. It is also working at having its RAVE™ system certified for line fit aircraft.

Girard said he believes streaming IFE offers a lot of possibilities to complement Zodiac’s existing IFE offerings. “What we find is most appealing to airlines are the new ways to personalize the passenger experience with individualized deals and advertisements,” he said.

Pokeware An unresolved quest to find a dress she saw on a television sitcom in 1997 drove Maryse Thomas to found Pokeware.

“I was watching an episode of Spin City on TV in 1997. I saw a dress on Heather Locklear that I immediately wanted to learn more about, I wished that I could just poke on the TV screen to discover more information. I took a photo of the TV screen. I searched for months for the item, showing the photograph to store clerks and stylists with no luck. I still haven’t located the dress,” Thomas said.

“

We are also deploying new options for the user interface to give the airlines control over the look and feel of the IFE user experience.

”

Maryse Thomas, CEO Pokeware

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The company’s technology works on the principle of see, poke, search and makes what wasn’t possible for Thomas a reality for others.

It catalogs objects in music videos, films and television programs and then links them to website where the items can be found without interrupting a passenger’s viewing experience.

This allows passengers to touch certain items on an IFE touch screen and be automatically linked to a brand’s e-commerce website where they can purchase it.

Pokeware clearly has appeal. The company has seen revenue grow at 50% per year since it was founded. Today approximately 5% of that revenue is from the IFE market.

Currently most of Pokeware’s advertisers embed their links into films, movies, TV programs and magazines. “We are opening our ad exchange to more advertisers than ever before. This will make the advertising marketplace more competitive and drive additional revenue for the airlines, Thomas said.

Thomas said that airlines like Pokeware because it provides ancillary revenue to the airlines at no additional cost to them. She added that Pokeware is able to engage a passenger for about two hours on a long-haul flight, allowing for significant opportunities for passengers to make purchases. The company also signed a payment processing deal with PayPal in August this year that will help customers to more easily purchase items through Pokeware without a credit card. It is also looking to close a deal with Intel by September.

Pokeware is currently available on GuestLogix’s IFE screens as well as airlines in the Middle East and Africa.

Thomas said Pokeware is continuously developing its software to give airlines more opportunities to customize the technology to meet their requirements. “We are also deploying new options for the user interface to give the airlines control over the look and feel of the IFE user experience and maintain a more streamlined brand experience, something that is unique to each carrier,” she said.

Pokeware has also just released a smart phone and tablet application that will allow passengers to take the poke experience out of the IFE system and will turn their device into a search engine. “When a user in a seat reading a magazine and wants to learn more about what they see in an image, the app, if connected to inflight Wi-Fi, can upload the image to the Pokeware app and the search result will be delivered. The airline gets a piece of that pay-per-poke experience, via the Wi-Fi relationship,” Thomas said.

“When I was at university I knew I wanted to study Spanish, International Business, and Marketing, but I didn’t know at the time where these skills would lead me. My role at Interact is tailor-made for me as it allows me to use all my skills and see the world at the same time! Interact. This is my story.”

Stephanie Cooper, Marketing and Business Development Director

FLEXIBLE. RESPONSIVE. AVAILABLE.

mObILE CONNECTIVITy

StAyinG weLL

connEctEd For airline passengers, connectivity at every step of their journey is an expected convenience, and suppliers say airlines are increasingly asking for timelines regarding installation as much as they are asking about cost by Lauren Brunetti “The key thing we have learnt in 2013 is that inflight connectivity is here to stay,” said Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir. “We are not running single-aircraft trials any more: airlines want connectivity across their entire fleets and they want it as soon as possible. We are all used to being in touch wherever we go and it is no different being on a plane: people want and expect to have connectivity wherever they are and that is what we are delivering.”

Ease of use, and increased public awareness and desire for the service can be given a good deal of credit for clearing the way to increased interest by airlines, say suppliers.

Combine that with millions of travelers toting tablets and smart phones, and those

same suppliers say there’s a sense of urgency among potential airline customers, anxious to enhance the passenger experience, and bring in revenue.

OnAir was incorporated in February 2005 and is owned by SITA, a pioneer IT solutions provider to the air transport world. The company’s first inflight GSM product flew in 2007. OnAir’s products enable passengers to use their own mobile phones, smartphones, tablets and laptops in exactly the same way as they do on the ground, either through the onboard GSM network or the onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The products are available as line fit or retrofit for all commercial aircraft, as well as government, VIP and business

jets, and ships.

The company’s two key products are Mobile OnAir and Internet OnAir. Mobile OnAir is the onboard GSM network, which mirrors international roaming. Passengers can use their mobile phones and tablets in exactly the same way as they do on the ground and the costs are included in their regular mobile phone bill. Passengers typically use it to check email, receive or send text messages, social media updates and phone calls. While, Internet OnAir is the onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. As with any hotspot, passengers log in, enter their credit card details and start using the system. Internet OnAir is generally used for emailing, makWith OnAir, passengers can use their mobile phones and tablets in exactly the same way as they do on the ground

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ASSOCIATION mObILE CONNECTIVITy NEWS ing onward travel bookings and, as with Mobile OnAir, to update social media.

When both technologies are available – and most of OnAir’s airline customers do indeed offer both – approximately 80% of passengers choose Mobile OnAir, said Dawkins, largely because it is so easy to use. “We are the only provider to offer consistent global coverage for both inflight GSM and Wi-Fi, thanks to regulatory approvals from nearly 100 countries, more than 350 roaming agreements, and by using Inmarsat’s I4 satellite networks,” he told PAX International.

At APEX this year, OnAir will be launching a new technology called, OnAir Play, which combines connectivity and entertainment by integrating inflight connectivity (both GSM and Wi-Fi) with on-demand entertainment streamed directly to passengers’ own personal electronic devices. “As the only supplier providing truly consistent global coverage, it is no secret that we are working flat out to provide onboard GSM and Wi-Fi to airlines across the world,” said Dawkins.

“We are talking to every type of airline, from the luxury carriers to low cost operators, and to government, VIP and business jet owners and operators. The main question they ask is ‘how quickly can we equip our aircraft’?”

As a result of this new technology, airlines can now provide and transmit movies, TV, live news, music, games, newspapers and magazines to all passengers over the onboard Wi-Fi network. Also, news and sports clips can be updated throughout the flight and passengers can play networked games, using the Wi-Fi connectivity.

“On-demand entertainment is a growing trend on the ground, so we are replicating that in the air. We know the vast majority of passengers carry smartphones or tablets, or both. They want to use them, both because they are familiar and because the quality is often better than seat-back screens,” Dawkins told PAX International.

From an airline’s point of view, this new technology has the power to remove the need for seat-back screens, he added. Airlines can also use the connectivity to enhance customer loyalty programs (for example using social interaction), frequent flier enrolment and gathering feedback on a

According to AeroMobile’s research, GPRS data has increased by 56% this year and SMS usage has increased by 44%, with voice usage remaining static

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mObILE CONNECTIVITy cabin services - including food, IFE content, and any other service generating additional ancillary revenues.

All content is stored on the onboard server and distributed through the cabin’s Wi-Fi network. Passengers simply need to connect to the hotspot. The passenger interface, which can be branded by the airline, is highly intuitive and is designed for all types of devices, regardless of brand, screen size and operating system.

Moving on up AeroMobile started flying in 2007, followed by a full commercial launch in 2008, when they facilitated the world’s first authorized in-flight mobile phone call on Emirates flight EK751 flying between Dubai and Casablanca. Since 2008, more than 19 million passengers have connected to AeroMobile’s network.

Nine airlines currently offer inflight connectivity through AeroMobile, including Emirates, Etihad, Transaero, SAS and Aer Lingus. All Virgin Atlantic flights leaving London Gatwick offer the AeroMobile service, making it the company’s first fully-connected hub. Etihad is also rolling out fully connected routes, the first being Abu Dhabi to New York.

In 2012, AeroMobile became part of the Panasonic Group and over the last year, the company has experienced accelerated growth; holding more than 220 roaming agreements with mobile operators worldwide and service is active on 160 aircraft. “We have several other airlines due to launch the service including Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa and over 800 aircraft in the pipeline,” explains Kevin Rogers, CEO, AeroMobile. “We’ve gained huge momentum this year and usage on the AeroMobile network is accelerating. This is partly due to new airline launches, more aircraft being enabled and new roaming agreements, but it’s also due to increased awareness. We’ve been working with airlines to educate cabin crew about the service and this is paying off, quite literally, for the airlines.”

In the last few months, Rogers said the company has ramped up the number of aircraft being installed with AeroMobile connectivity, as their major airline partners roll out their installation programs. AeroMobile is currently in talks to activate approximately 800 aircraft with AeroMobile connectivity, and as these go live with the service, others will be added to the list, he said.

“The big news for us is that we now have AT&T onboard as a roaming partner. We’ve put a huge focus on getting really good roaming coverage in the countries that matter to our airline partners, and obviously the USA represents a massive market for most of them. We’ve also signed up with Everything Everywhere in the UK, meaning we now have the mobile market covered for British travelers,” Rogers told PAX International.

More and more passengers across AeroMobile’s customer base are using their mobiles to text, browse and call inflight, said Rogers. According to AeroMobile’s research, GPRS data has increased by 56% this year and SMS usage has increased by 44%, with voice usage remaining static.

“Our recent poll also supports our findings that demand for inflight connectivity exists and makes financial sense to all stakeholders, with more than 70% of UK travelers revealing they would use their phones inflight, if they had the option.”

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TriaGnoSys launches GSMConneX TriaGnoSys was formed in 2002 by three satellite communications experts with two objectives in mind: the first was to play a leading part in the development of cutting-edge aircraft communications technologies, either in-house or as part of international research teams, and the second was to make technology commercially viable, explains Axel Jahn, Managing Director at TriaGnoSys. The company’s first commercial success was developing software which enabled airline passengers to use their mobile phones and internet during flight. The solution is now in use through providers such as OnAir and Thales. The key research had been carried out as part of WirelessCabin, an EU-funded ground-breaking research project, Jahn told PAX International.

Currently, TriaGnoSys’ customers include Airbus, Inmarsat, OnAir, Honeywell, Thales, Lufthansa Technik and Siemens. “We work with them to provide our hardware and software to airlines and VIP aircraft owners and operators. Our role is to provide the technology that enables passengers to use their phones during flights; we are not the service provider.”

This past year, TriaGnoSys launched airborne hardware technology, GSMConneX, which enables inflight GSM, Wi-Fi and the wireless distribution of IFE content. “GSMConneX is revolutionary because most of the technology is included in one small, lightweight box. It is also simple to install and maintain,” explains Jahn. “The strength of GSMConneX is that it is very small and light – the main unit weights only 5kg – and it is very simple to install and maintain. It is also flexible, in that it can provide GSM, Wi-Fi and wireless IFE services. And it can interface with any radio link, including satellite links: L-band, Ka-band and Ku-band – as well as air-to-ground links.”

GSMConneX is manufactured in Oberfaffenhofen, supplied as certified hardware and is available with an EASA Form 1.

This past year, TriaGnoSys launched airborne hardware technology, GSMConneX

COmPANy PROFILE

Onboard access: power provided

by Kid-Systeme’s SKYpower with Internet connectivity and content via SKYfi

The connected

cabin Inflight electronics specialist KID-Systeme is poised to shake up the market by andrew Brooks

T

hese days airline passengers—whether on long-haul flights or short commuter hops—increasingly expect not to have to sacrifice all the connectivity they enjoy at home or in the office just because they happen to be in the air. Airlines have responded by turning to inflight electronic systems specialists SKYpower components (USB feature not shown) to help them outfit their aircraft with all the technology they need to ensure passengers have full access to all the high-tech tools and with Lufthansa Technik. toys they want.

The company is just now in the process of introducing SKYfi. The One such company is Buxtehude, Germany’s KID-Systeme GmbH, a fully owned subsidiary of Airbus Operations (it’s part of the Cabin product name and concept were brought before the market at the and Cargo organization). The independent KID-Systeme brand Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg in April, and KID-Systeme plans specializes in in-seat power supply systems and is on the point of to highlight the system at the next APEX/IFSA event, which will be introducing its latest product SKYfi, a new modular onboard con- held in September in Anaheim, California. With the forthcoming introduction of this major new system, Schetschine says that 2013 nectivity platform.

“SKYfi enables airlines to provide their passengers with broadband is shaping up well for the company. “KID-Systeme is heading for Internet, GSM mobile telephony and inflight entertainment (IFE) success,” he says. “SKYpower hit all our expectations, and SKYfi streaming content such as movies, electronic media and games,” complements the product portfolio of KID-Systeme as a world leadsays Peter Schetschine, Vice President of Customer Affairs. “Fourth ing cabin system supplier.”

Response to the new system has been positive, Schetschine says. generation wireless content is the next step to be added.” Schetschine explains that SKYfi is a scalable system in terms of its functionality. “We have customer contacts and during our sales visits we have started Conveniently for airline customers, the hardware installation is a to promote SKYfi. The feedback has been positive. I think it helps single, standardized process and doesn’t have to be revisited in order very much that we already have the necessary hardware platform installed in more than 250 aircraft.” to augment or change the functionality delivered by the system.

While SKYpower and SKYfi are KID-Systeme’s ‘signature’ offerings, That kind of scalability is going to be essential not just for success, over the years the company has posted some other major milestones. but for survival, as mobile device technologies change and evolve increasingly quickly, and as airline passengers increasingly expect These include the company’s introduction of the global AC outlet unit, to be able to bring any kind of device aboard and have it work fault- the 2006 launch of the Seat Power Module for integrated inflight lessly. “From our perspective, and the rest of the industry, the BYOD entertainment solutions and the introduction the following year of [bring your own device] trend is unstoppable now,” Schetschine says. GSM onboard equipment that enabled mobile telephony applica“Passengers today travel with their tablets, their iPads, their Androids. tions onboard commercial aircraft. More recently the company has The airlines have to ensure that they can receive streaming media, brought out its Advanced Power Converter (2011) and a new USB Power extension (2012). connect wirelessly with social media, watch movies or play games.”

Notable presences on KID-Systeme’s long list of airline customers Over the years since its founding in 1985, KID-Systeme has brought a number of major systems to market. SKYpower, billed include Lufthansa, United Airlines, LATAM, Japan Airlines, Philipas the world’s first 110-Volt In-Seat Power Supply System and now pine Airlines, South African Airways, Air France/KLM, Etihad and installed in over 300,000 seats by over 80 airlines, was brought out Qatar Airways . The company is an approved supplier for Airbus, in 2000 after two years of development conducted in collaboration Boeing and Embraer. www.pax-intl.com

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TRAy TAbLES

turned

How the tables have

by Lauren Brunetti

Manufacturers around the globe are equipping economy-class tray tables with new and innovative designs to accommodate the immense amount of passengers traveling with portable electronic devices

n

ick Pajic began working on SmartTray International in early 2011 and formed the company after recognizing two noticeable developments in the commercial airline world. First, as he traveled, he observed the trend of more and more leisure and business airline passengers using their own personal electronic devices (PEDs) while they were onboard. Second, he saw the growing number of airlines exploring the idea of deploying Wi-Fi and content on their aircraft.

“Nick understood that the existing inflight entertainment platforms consisted of heavy, very expensive, high-maintenance, embedded systems, and that they were at risk of being displaced by airlines who would rather feed connectivity and content directly to either passenger’s owned or airline provided PEDs,” explains Randy Smith, Director of Business Development and Airline Relations at SmartTray, based in Phoenix. “And

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further, he understood that smaller airlines (who could never have afforded the expensive systems) would now have a cheaper way of providing IFE and improve their customer’s inflight experience.”

Pajic is both an engineer and an entrepreneur. Prior to launching SmartTray International, Pajic published inflight magazines for TWA, Western Pacific Airlines and pioneered ads on airline tray tables onboard America West Airlines and US Airways – still ‘flying’ today. “We call him the “serial entrepreneur,” said Smith. His enthusiasm, leadership and unmatched drive are a reflection of our achievements to date. SmartTray was just selected as a Finalist by APEX for the Best Achievement in Technology, Avion Award,” added Smith. “That’s a remarkable achievement in a category where hundreds of companies compete, some of which are multi-billion enterprises!”

SmartTray’s first product, the SmartTray

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

X1™, is an updated airline tray table that features a proprietary groove built into the aft of the tray table. It is designed to replace the existing trays in any coach or economy cabin where the trays are mounted on the back of the seat, Smith told PAX International. The groove can be scaled for PEDs of all sizes and shapes, from iPads and minis to Galaxy tablets, Nook and Kindle e-readers and virtually any smartphone.

“Using the X1 tray table, the passenger would now have a handsfree way to view their device, plus with the tablet sitting in the groove, it frees up all that ‘real estate’ in front of the tablet for a meal or drink. This way, the PED is safely secured inside the groove, Randy explains, while adding that the SmartTray X1™ would also give each airline the option of a revenue generating, ad decal based turn-key advertising opportunity, visible when the tray is stowed.

The SmartTray X1™ premiered at the APEX

TRAy TAbLES

A game changer

The SmartTray X1™ features a proprietary groove built into tray table that can be scaled for PEDs of all sizes and shapes

EXPO last year in Long Beach, CA and after the show, the company had an enthusiastic response by airlines, technology providers, content service managers and the aviation press. “The best comment we heard at that event - and we heard it often was, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’” said Smith.

“SmartTray products boast the simplest tablet device and IFE architecture designs. Period.” said Pajic. “Our products offer increased utility, simplicity and low cost. We help airlines improve their passenger’s inflight experience. We drive higher uptake rates of paid Wi-Fi and purchase of food and beverages.

We protect the passenger’s investment in technology and we offer a new stream of incremental revenue via advertising which can turn airline tray tables from a cost to a profit center.”

Many existing IFE systems cost millions per aircraft and thousands per seat, Smith added. They also drive costs for installation and maintenance. The SmartTray line, which is composed of the SmartTray X1™, SmartTray X2™ and SmartTray X3™ are manufactured to match the existing seat and tray and can be installed in minutes with a couple of screws. An entire aircraft can be modified on a routine overnight stay, Smith said.

The X2 features a revolutionary ‘tray-in-a-tray’ design which allows travelers to place their tablet device inside a tray table.

While the X3 is for carriers who distribute airline owned tablets, they cannot be removed by passengers and are charged on the aircraft in the tray tables.

“In our view, the iPad hasn’t changed the tray table, but it has provided us with a unique opportunity to bring it into the digital age. SmartTray has reinvented the decades old tray table in a dramatic way that will allow passengers to take full advantage of the iPad and other PEDs while preserving the original function of a food tray,” said Pajic.

The remainder of last year saw the company develop strategic partnerships with manufacturers that currently build replacement tray tables for the airline industry as well as technology developers and content providers. SmartTray also made presentations and developed proposals to more than a dozen airlines in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.

At the APEX expo this year, in Anaheim, California, SmartTray will be unveiling enhanced designs for the SmartTray X1™, X2™, X3™ and tablet device IFE platforms.

It’s not often that less than six months from launch date, a newcomer to the industry has more than 100 airline customers (consisting of both international and domestic carriers) – and

Earlier this year, Acro Aircraft Seating developed the Ultra Arm Table Seat, a Crystal Cabin Awards finalist that is self-cleaning, lightweight, line replaceable in less than 60 seconds and according to Cameron Allan, Director of Program Management, “greatly improves passenger comfort and visual appeal.”

The new concept uses Acro’s formula of simplicity and innovative design, said Allan, adding that it is also used in conjunction with Acro’s Superlight seat family. By making the mechanism as simple as possible, the traditional table enclosure is not required - returning the full width of the seat to the passenger and providing benefits to the operator in the form of ease of cleaning and reducing part count.

“The Ultra Arm Table Seat is demonstrative of Acro’s core principles – it’s lightweight, robust and deceptively simple,” explains Allan. “We design solutions which include what is necessary, rather than what’s expected. For example, the removal of the usual “peanut trap” enclosure around the table and the reduction in part count to the bare minimum results in a maintainable elegant product, which returns the full width of the seat to the passenger, and reduces ownership costs to the operator.”

Acro Aircraft Seating started in 2006 with the aim of designing from first principles the most comfortable and durable economy class seat in the world. The first seats designed for low cost carriers flew in 2008, and Acro grew steadily until 2012, when the product range expanded to include reclining seats, a full service operator product, and long haul IFE equipped seats.

Acro’s production capacity has more than doubled in the past year and now, the company produces 1000 passenger places a month with a staff of 50.

Acro currently has over 20 customers, including KLM, Thomas Cook, Jet2, Aer Arann, Royal Air Maroc, Primera Air, ILFC and ACG. In particular, 2013 has been a time of rapid growth for Acro.

The inevitable challenges of managing this growth have been a focus for much of the management team, says Allan, and the successes include winning their first significant order from the United States for 20 shipsets of Superlight seats, delivering over 2,000 passenger places to KLM Cityhopper, and delivering Ultra seats incorporating IFE to Thomas Cook. “Our administrative team has been strengthened enormously with new appointments in the engineering, production and quality management departments as well.”

Acro’s Ultra Arm Table Seat is self-cleaning, lightweight and line replaceable in less than 60 seconds

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TRAy TAbLES to top it off, this was accomplished with barely any advertising. The company’s main marketing tool is their website.

AirClipZ, exclusively distributed by CAM Marketing LLC, allows passengers to mount their iPad and other electronic tablets directly to the tray table in front of them, in its closed upright position and locked in place.

“The idea for AirClipZ came after watching many airline passengers struggle using their iPads while in flight,” explains Chris Caggiula, President of CAM Marketing LLC. “I witnessed people constantly holding onto the devices, using neck pillows to try and balance the device, constantly moving and shifting and then as soon as they got somewhat comfortable, a fellow passenger would need to get up and stretch or use the facilities.

AirCLipZ eliminates all of that – it’s a very simple and easy-to-use product!”

To adjust the viewing angle, passengers simply slide the adjusters up or down to create the “perfect” view, Caggiula explains.

“The iPad is becoming more and more the choice of business and recreational travelers for both work and entertainment uses. As more and more airlines offer onboard access to the internet and streaming video the use

AirClipZ allows passengers to mount their iPad and other electronic tablets directly to the tray table in front of them

of the iPad is greatly increasing,” he told PAX International. “The iPad is much easier to use and carry then a conventional laptop PC and as more and more applications become web friendly the iPad is becoming the choice of business travelers. I believe that this trend has driven the airlines to accelerate their onboard internet offerings to meet the expectations and demand of their customers.”

Made in the United States from durable,

®

high-quality materials, AirCLipZ is sold exclusively online. However, Caggiula says the company is looking to expand and is in discussion with several airport retailers - with hopes of having AirCLipZ in the airports soon and to have it available as a buy-onboard item. “We are very focused now in securing a partnership with one or more large retailers. Once we get closer to an agreement we can offer more details,” he said.

. Disposable Headphones . Active Noise Cancellation Headsets . Amenity, RON, Baby, & Child Kits

. Blankets, Pillows & Airsick Bags . Pillow/Headrest Covers . Cotton/Woven Refresher Towels

2013 Booth

1720

EXPO

9-12 SEPTEMBER ANAHEIM, CA USA

AvidAirlineProducts.com . 72 Johnnycake Hill Rd . Aquidneck Corporate Park . Middletown, RI 02842 USA . 401-846-1300 . sales@avidproducts.com 30

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Changing the world of IFEC one plane at a time.

Visit us at APEX 2013 Booth #1400

ZODIAC INFLIGHT INNOVATIONS 2929 East Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92821 USA 1.714.854.8600 www.imsco-us.com

hEADSETS

stayinG

TunEd in by tanya FiLippeLLi

PAX International listens in on to how leading suppliers and manufacturers of headsets stay tuned in to the IFE market

T

he inflight entertainment (IFE) industry is helping to increase the ambient and comfort levels of the passenger experience by advancing audio technology to meet the growing demand and challenges of the market.

In order to take that technology to the final step of the way (the passenger’s ears), IFE headset suppliers and manufacturers continue to face the age-old challenge of helping airlines make the most of their new systems while keeping in line with fluctuating budgets.

PAX International recently spoke with some of the leading suppliers and manufacturers of IFE headsets to learn about their new products, initiatives and developments that they have put in place in order to differentiate themselves and to gain a competitive advantage.

AVID Airline Products AVID Airline Products claims the distinction of developing the first inflight entertainment device in 1961, for Trans World Airlines. As a division of the original AVID (Audio Visual Instructional Devices), AVID Airline Products developed innovative audio products that included the audio translation headsets for the United Nations; and soon after was producing the first and only IFE headsets in the

AVID Clarity noise-cancelling headset

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world. Today, AVID Airline Products is a privately owned corporation located in Middletown, Rhode Island, and among the leading manufacturers of inflight entertainment and comfort items. With an extensive array of headphones including active noise cancelling, passive noise attenuation, over the head ear clip and ear bud models, AVID has also recently introduced a new high quality headset called the AVID Clarity NC. “The Clarity noise-cancelling headset sets AVID apart,” said Paul Fleming, Public Relations Representative for AVID. “Importantly, the Clarity is just the beginning of the opportunity we are seeing in higher-quality headsets. Airlines are obviously investing a considerable amount of money and time installing the latest IFE technology in their planes. Passenger experience and comfort are the leading reasons for the investment,” he added.

Fleming goes on to explain that when it comes to investing in ear buds or headsets, the leading consideration is often price and since the headset is the interface between IFE and the passenger, a poor quality headset can negate the technological benefits of a high performing IFE set-up.

“Selling a better headset or ear bud inflight turns a budget item into a revenue source and ensures a better entertainment experience for the passenger. It also gives the airline a longer-term, after-flight marketing opportunity if the item is branded, for example,” Fleming further explained.

In their latest initiative, AVID has recently introduced a new INVENTORY NOW program.

“We’ve identified the 12 most popular IFE and passenger comfort products airline professionals ask for and we’ve made a major commitment to a large inventory of each of these products,” Fleming stated.

Recognizing that airlines are looking to cut budgets and identify new sources of revenues, AVID has decided to develop a program to assist them. The Buy-On-Board (BOB) programs are growing in popularity and are designed to provide benefits to both the airline and the customer. AVID will introduce its new BOB program at the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) Expo.

hEADSETS Phitek Systems Phitek Systems was incorporated in 2003 as an acoustics engineering company with the objective of developing audio excellence in the delivery of noise-cancellation technology. Since that time the company has established itself as a premier supplier of integrated connectivity and headphone-based noise cancellation solutions, for major aviation customers. Building upon success as a supplier to major IFE systems providers, Phitek launched its premium noise-cancellation headphones in Singapore Airlines’ business class. Currently, Phitek continues to supply Singapore Airlines and more than 16 additional long-haul carriers with high-capacity, ultra-long life noise-cancelling headphones. With key offices in Auckland, New Zealand and Santa Cruz, California, Phitek continues to innovate electro-acoustic technologies for personal listening, through the enhanced delivery of inflight entertainment audio.

“We are committed to sustaining IFE delivery excellence with our existing clients through connector solutions and our patented noise-cancellation technology, delivered via best-in-class passenger headphones,” said Paul Simmonds, Director of Sales at Phitek Systems.

Each of their headset models incorporates Phitek’s proprietary technology, specifically configured to extract the maximum noise cancellation capabilities present in an IFE system.

“Our design development sees new models created in direct response to airline customer needs and their own development of the customer experience,” Simmonds said.

A recent development has been the introduction of a supra-aural (‘on-ear’) premium noise-cancellation headphone, driven by carrier needs focused on space and weight savings and by evolving passenger demand.

“Our premium noise-cancellation headset designs are engineered to generate ultra-long life operational performance for airline clients and to be repairable at the conclusion of serviceable cabin life,” Simmonds explained.

Phitek has in place strict materials quality control protocols that are designed by their own engineers and implemented throughout the manufacturing process.

“In this way, our headsets substantially reduce the environmental impact of plastic use for every airline customer,” Simmonds explained.

“Phitek headsets and their components have the ability to be repaired and recycled on a continual basis with new individual components introduced as required,” he added.

The recent appointment of Roy Moody as a CEO is a clear signal to the industry that Phitek incorporates a deep engineering understanding of IFE technical challenges with a concurrent commitment to delivering against end user expectations.

Phitek Cirrus headphones

Roy Moody spent 11 years as General Manager of Assa Abloy where he was responsible for the company’s New Zealand commercial division. Moody also held the position of Director of Research and Development and more recently General Manager of Connectivity at Phitek Systems.

Malton Inflight Limited One of Malton Inflight Limited’s first customers was Virgin Atlantic Airways when it was founded in 1989. Producing a wide range of stereo electronic headphones and earphones for airlines, Malton Inflight now supplies 54% of the world’s top 100 airlines, including four of the seven five-star airlines, picked by Skytrax in its annual awards. They’ve also recently won contracts to supply two of the Middle East’s fastest growing airlines.

Malton’s Inflight’s noise cancellation headphones

Malton Inflight has an extensive range of earphones and headband style headphones for the airline market including its in-ear canal model, the in-ear bud and the successful on-ear clip. Its strongest products are competitively priced noise cancellation headsets. Currently, it’s latest and most popular model is the MLT-830.

“The company’s headset range has become far more sophisticated and desirable for the more discerning airline who appreciates quality and reliability. It goes without saying that these are always supplied at very competitive prices,” said CEO, Gordon Oakley who formed Malton Inflight.

With locations in U.K. and Shanghai, Malton Inflight has grown organically through internal development selecting reputable manufacturing partners who exemplify both an innovative approach and a socially ethical attitude towards production, according to Oakley.

“Our purpose is to help make it easier for our customers to procure their onboard cabin products reliably and competitively,” Oakley stated.

Malton Inflight has been a member of ITCA (International Travel Catering Association) since the company was formed and now exhibits at the annual World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo as well as other trade shows around the world.

SkyMax With more than 15 years of experience in the IFE audio business, SkyMax designs and offers a wide range of premium IFE audio equipment including in-ear buds and noise cancellation headphones. Its first client was a German airline, and today, as a dedicated specialist in the development of new concepts and the sale of highly developed inflight passenger experience products, SkyMax steadily updates its product portfolio in order to conform to the latest technical standards while assisting airlines with their bottom line, according to Oliver Kloth, Managing Director at SkyMax. www.pax-intl.com

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World Travel Catering & Onboard Services 8 – 10 April 2014

Hamburg Messe , Germany

The event for travel catering, onboard retail and passenger comfort

Interested in booking a stand?

For more information contact: Mitra Esmizadeh +44 (0)20 8910 7193 mitra.esmizadeh@reedexpo.co.uk

Co-located with:

worldtravelcateringexpo.com/enquiry

8-10 APRIL 2014

Organised by:

hEADSETS “SkyMax stands for innovative ideas and aims to improve comfort for passengers as well as to optimize possibilities for airline revenues,” Kloth said.

In addition to active noise cancellation headphones and headphone customization, one of SkyMax’s high quality range products is the SMH 103 Leatherette, a premium entry headphone for business class passengers, while another new addition to its portfolio is the new ‘Eco-Line’, which provides lower cost units per product.

SkyMax has also expanded its product portfolio in order to meet the demand for re-usable headphones. As a result, SkyMax is currently working on developing a rental system for the IFE equipment, particularly high-quality headphones to lower total costs of ownership. To control pricing for its cus-

tomers, SkyMax applies lean management in order to avoid waste and unnecessary process steps. For reasons of hygiene, SkyMax also recommends the use of cushions (ear pad covers) to airlines. The company’s Sanitary Headphone Covers, are an inexpensive, easy to install and comfortable method for re-use of their headsets.

“Initiated by large requirements of disposables, the headphones of ‘Eco Plus’ are re-usable with certification and focus on total cost of ownership,” Kloth stated.

Working closely with innovative industry partners, SkyMax’s product range is ISO 9001 certified and applies the RoHS (The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive), short for directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, and C.E.

Skymax earbuds

according to European standard (a manufacturer’s declaration that the product meets the requirements of the applicable directives).

SkyMax attributes it success to maintaining closest contact with its production team and informing customers accordingly, according to Kloth.

“It’s most important to always offer the latest state-of-the art technology. Being on the ball is a match decider especially in this business and SkyMax steadily strengthens its position in the hotly contested IFE market,” Kloth concluded.

An abundance of innovative options and leading edge systems are designed and created with sophisticated hardware and technology aimed to improve the passenger experience. As announcements of product launches continue along with the emergence of new partnerships, the IFE demand is without a doubt even greater to create this ultimate passenger experience.

Meeting ongoing technology improvements and providing premium quality products while not losing sight of the bottom figures, these IFE headset manufacturers and suppliers know just how to stay tuned in with crisp clarity.

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flying high

COmPANy PROFILE

in comfort

Supracor takes to the skies with in-flight seating

by Cindy sosroutomo

A

s the originator of Stimulite®, a fusionbonded honeycomb technology, Supracor has gained worldwide recognition for its line of wheelchair cushions and mattresses that prevent and heal pressure sores.

As the year comes to a close, the California company was preparing for Seattle’s Aircraft Interiors Americas Expo where it will give the industry yet another look at its product’s airline applications.

The company has decades of development behind the latest offering for airline seats.

Before Stimulite® there was Hexalite® in the 1980s, an energy absorber for athletic shoes manufactured by Reebok®, then came military seating in F-18 fighter jets and applications in medical support surfaces and sports protective equipment.

Unlike foams and conventional materials, Supracor’s flexible honeycomb is anisotropic, meaning it has varying degrees of resistance from its three sides. Alternatively, foams that are isotropic have the same resistance from all sides. By resisting forces at a different rate, the honeycomb is able to absorb impact from different angles and, in the case of a seat cushion for example, contour to the body.

In Stimulite seating and sleep surfaces, the footprint of the cells’ edges stimulates blood flow, enhancing circulation and preventing numbness that can occur when sitting for long periods of time. These benefits naturally make Stimulite one solution to the discom-

fort of in-flight, long-haul travel.

Taking flight Susan Wilson, Vice President and Creative Director of Supracor said it was a resourceful engineer at Boeing in search of a more comfortable experience for pilots and crew who is credited for introducing the aviation industry to Stimulite. After inviting pilots to participate in a blind comfort trial of various mattresses including foam, results showed that the Stimulite mattress was preferred hands down.

Today, Stimulite mattresses have been installed on the 787 Dreamliner. With its focus on reducing fuel consumption, the longrange, twin-engine jetliner needed a lightweight cushioning material that was more comfortable than foam for its crew rest quarters. Boeing has also specified Stimulite mattresses for its long-range 747-8 aircraft.

“We are working with several companies to integrate the technology into many different areas of the aircraft, from the pilots’ seats to the main cabin’s First, Business and Economy seating,” said Wilson.

“Our close partnership with the raw materials provider BASF allows us to fine-tune the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to best suit the needs of this industry. Supracor and BASF have recently developed, tested and implemented a new generation TPU material specifically targeted to offer advantages in the aerospace industry.”

Next steps

Crew rest easy on the 787 on a mattress made with Supracor padding.

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Supracor currently has projects in various stages of development for a broad range of aerospace customers, including airlines, OEM’s, MRO’s and tier-level suppliers. Some of its more innovative products will be on

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

display at this year’s AIX show in Seattle.

These include cushions in various configurations that have passed the mandated FAA 14g testing, making them lighter, thinner and more durable than their foam counterparts.

“Airlines are looking to give customers an innovative and comfortable seating solution, which also provides value to the carrier,” added Wilson. “Supracor’s Stimulite honeycomb technology can be designed to exceed any level of comfort while saving the airlines weight and space as well as increasing the cushions’ overall useful life when compared to traditional solutions. Additionally, the ventilation, antimicrobial nature as well as recyclability of this advanced technology combine to give the end user a high-value product on which to capitalize.”

A model of seat and back for the first class cabin, made by Supracor

Beyond aviation, the company is equally excited about its Lifestyle Collection of luxury spa and wellness products, which are currently marketed to upscale spas and hotels. The travel industry in particular, which Wilson says the company is considering targeting, would benefit from Supracor’s carry-on comfort seat cushion, the Supra SeatTM.

SEAT INTEGRATION

Easing

thE WAy The subject of teaming embedded inflight entertainment with seating from a varied and growing number of companies will be addressed head-on at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo

The Recaro CL3710 economy class seat with embedded IFE

by riCk Lundstrom

t

his year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Seattle and APEX/ IFSA Expo in Anaheim will be filled, wall-to-wall with examples both inside and outside the aviation world of how companies have strived to make technology easier to use.

Embedded video with touchscreen efficiency and fewer parts and weight will be seen, along with seating made from advanced composites cutting kilograms and cost throughout the cabin. Integrated actuators and other components have been designed for easy swapping and even easier testing.

But looks can be deceiving. A typical passenger may be able fasten a seatbelt for a long flight, surf the Internet and pick out a favorite movie with technological acumen that makes the tasks simple even for a four year old. This can be accomplished with equipment supplied by the airline or dug from a laptop bag. For all those activities to reliably come together, a number of elements need to have fallen into place very early in the process.

The companies that supply every piece of equipment that goes onto the surface and into the guts of the airline seat know that while those passenger’s experience may be easy, getting it all together for them is rarely a simple task.

However, making the complex task simple for passengers is a job that must be done. That that job falls on the shoulders of every company that places one of its products into the airline seat. Months in meeting after meeting and batteries of tests must be completed until the final product can be FAA approved and placed in the airline cabin.

Many aspects of that long process will be addressed in a daylong section on Tuesday October 1 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, which will bring in a veritable who’s who of companies and individuals to hash out the subject in a full day Seating & IFE Integration Symposium.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

The Lumexis inflight entertainment system is designed for easy installation and testing

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SEAT INTEGRATION

“

the iPad is still driving innovation,

Katie Murphy, Exhibition Director for Aircraft Interiors America, in the late summer announcement of the Tuesday Symposium.

The level of participation, the myriad of topics and the issue of making IFE of all varieties work with a growing number of seat types by a growing number of manufacturers were all indications that successfully merging IFE and seating was a complex issue. That challenge is also being tossed by the tide of rapidly expanding selection of consumer electronics carried aboard by passengers.

“The iPad is still driving innovation,” said Rich Salter, Chief Technology Officer at Lumexis. “Passengers want an iPad-like experience in the seat. Control of the screen with multiple fingers, quick response, and it has to be high-definition.”

Salter will be one of the panelists for a discussion on “the business case for closer integration” which will be the second session in the daylong symposium. He will be joined by Neil James, Executive Director of Corporate Sales and Product Management at Panasonic Avionics Corp. and Jason Adams of Delta Air Lines.

Salter’s company has been one of the players in the rapidly evolving technology that is now changing the face of embedded IFE. Developed over the last 10 years, Lumexis products enjoyed interest and sales in the last four to five years and installed on aircraft round the world. Using fiber optic cable and simple hardware architecture, the Lumexis IFE system is composed of a touch screen in each seatback with simple connections in each seating row that can be easily tested and components that can be easily removed. It can also be easily installed. When a new 737 is delivered to flydubai, crews can go to

”

– Rich Salter, Chief Technology Officer at Lumexis

Reed Exhibitions, organizers of the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas and the Symposium were still confirming speakers and participants in late August. Four sessions were planned for the Symposium and a large group featured speakers at throughout the day were part of the schedule in late August.

In late August, Reed Exhibitions had confirmed Zuzana Hrnkova, Head of Aircraft Interiors Marketing at Airbus; Alex Pozzi, Vice President of the Advanced Design Group at B/E Aerospace and Jason Adams, Aircraft Interiors/IFE Supply Chain General Manager at Delta Air Lines. The day will open with a session devoted to trends in consumer electronics and smart phone technology. The second session will cover the business importance of integration by suppliers. The topic will be expanded in the third session, as panelists will discuss critical industry standards, and the impact of regulations on the integration between seat, inflight entertainment and connectivity.

Jason Johnson, Director of Technical Services and Engineering at Omni Air International will give visitors a case study of Omni’s 777 IFE integration. Organizers plan a far-reaching discussion on the pros and cons of new or refurbished seats for IFE integration, ways to assemble an IFE integration team and selecting vendors for project management and ways to work across a multiple vendor project.

The day will round out with two speakers. Rick Lockhart, President at Skypaxxx Interior Repairs will highlight areas of cooperation with airlines and engineers and other players in the seat integration.

Finally, a yet to be named executive from Zodiac Aerospace will focus on “The IFE Experience” followed by a question and answer session.

“The topic of IFE and seat integration is clearly a focal point within the industry at the present and by adding a quality list of speakers, there is no doubt that the appeal and relevance of the Symposium will provide a unique and timely platform to debate trends and issue,” said 40

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Jim Cangiano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Recoro said greater standardization among IFE components would be helpful in seat integration

SEAT INTEGRATION “The technology has been evolving very passengers need for storage and mounting,” work on the aircraft in a maintenance hanger, installing a full IFE system in approximately quickly, and this has different ramifications Cangiano said.

There may be indications that, at least for for each of the stakeholders that are affected,” two-and-a-half days.

But even the simplicity of the system said Cangiano. One example, he said, is the embedded IFE, the evolution that is changing presents challenges. Airlines are keen to turn seat product development cycle. Tradition- size and configuration may be slowing down. the process of integration and testing over ally, he said a company like Recaro could Since its first product was launched, Lumexis to the supplier partners as much as possible, develop a seat that easily lasted a decade on has made its embedded video boxes denser and slightly narrower from 1.75 inches thick the market before some type of phase out. said Salter.

“This is a lifetime in the personal device to 1.25 inches. At approximately a kilogram Then, there are the meetings. Suppliers first get together during an initial techni- world,” Cangiano said. “As ten years ago, we per device, Salter said there’s not much furcal coordination meeting (ITCM). A few were using flip phones and texting was in its ther the company can go to decrease weight and overall size of the product. weeks later, a technical coordination meet- early infancy.

The development of IFE technology is “Seat suppliers are more often considering (TCM) works out more mechanical requirements. A preliminary design review ing modularity as it relates to a wide range racing ahead in an industry that is poised for growth. Every new aircraft delivery is (PDR) is the followed by a critical design of personal devices now and in the future.”

Seeking that optimum one-size-fits-all providing opportunities, but also demanding review (CDR), before a seat, its IFE and its various components are ready for the airline approach where every tablet is roughly innovation and cooperation from players the same size, would allow seat makers to across the spectrum. Over the next five years, customer.

“For an embedded IFE system, the seats develop a tray table to hold them all. This a forecast from Research and Markets shows are really the long pole in the tent,” Salter told is one of the ways that manufacturers could that the aircraft interiors market will grow to US$12 billion by 2016 and at a annual rate of PAX International. “They’re the things that help seat makers, said Cangiano.

Recaro Seating prides itself on its ability 8% over the next five years. takes the longest for the airline to get. And, “In 2010, the interiors sector was valued of course, the IFE has be checked out and to supply a high level of standardization with qualified in each seat…and it is not getting some customization opportunities. A good at US$8.4 billion,” said a release from Reed example, said Cangiano is the company’s Exhibitions, organizers of the AIX Americas. any simpler.”

The time consuming aspect of getting a “high literature” pocket that is designed to fit “And the report cites customization and brand seat system ready for a cabin has been one most tablets. Part of the success of this aspect positioning as key drivers for the investment of the reasons for a large number of new of seat design was the way the company in interiors, in addition to the expanding worldwide aircraft fleet. entrants in the seating market. But one com- worked the IFE suppliers themselves.

“In light of this report, the opening session “By getting together early in both of our pany that has established itself over the years has been Recaro Aircraft Seating. Taking part design processes and sharing ideas from of this year’s Symposium, which takes place alongside Salter at the same session will be our unique perspectives, we find that we are on the opening day of the Aircraft Interiors Jim Cangiano, Vice President of Sales and more able to adapt our design ideas to ensure Expo Americas, will be timely as its theme ease of manufacture, while still meeting the will be “Inspiration and Opportunity.”

Marketing for Recaro USA.

rECAro BECoMES LEAD INSPECtor for A380 SEAtS In August, Recaro announced that it would be responsible for quality control that includes source inspections for all the seats installed on the A380.

“With this delegation of responsibility for the approval of seats for the A380, approval for all of the economy-class-products that we supply to Airbus is now in our hands. This makes us not only the first Airbus supplier conducting supplier source inspection for the A380, but also the only aircraft seating supplier in the world given this authority for all of the products it supplies to Airbus,” said Dr. Mark Hiller, Chief Executive Officer of Recaro Aircraft Seating.

The company has carried out the final source inspections and approvals for seats in the A318, A319, A320 and A321 short-range aircraft. In April the German company was granted authorization

to carry out supplier source inspections for the long haul seats it produces for the A330 and A340 aircraft.

Source inspections are done to ensure that the product meets the requirements of the aircraft manufacturer and the customer airlines. In the future, this final approval process will be conducted solely by Recaro.

“This makes it possible for us to recognize problems early and to respond immediately to deviations, with the goal of ensuring zero error production. This decision to authorize us to conduct supplier source inspections for A380 seats shows us that the customer has been watching this all very closely and has decided to honor our performance with his most important vote of confidence,” said Mirjam Bruhns, Director Quality and Process Management at Recaro Aircraft Seating.

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SAFETy IN ThE CAbIN EMTEQ’s “drop-in” eFIT LED lights are available in white and white-blue color combinations.

Safety,

bEhind thE ScEnES PAX International spoke to three companies about how their products keep passengers safe in the cabin by John Guise

t

o ensure a satisfied passenger everything has to run smoothly and safety is at the top of the list. If things go well we often don’t notice the items that provide us with a safe cabin experience. But they are no less important.

EMTEQ The best way to ensure something is done safely is to make sure that it can be completed correctly the first time. That’s the principle that Wisconsin-based EMTEQ has embraced with its new eFIT LED lighting solution.

“It is is a true drop-in replacement for the Airbus family and Boeing 737 platforms. To EMTEQ, the meaning of ‘drop-in’ is quick, easy installation. A mechanic would take the fluorescent [light] out and use the existing connectors and mounting provisions,” said Peter Tessmann, Marketing Specialist with EMTEQ. “So the operator is saving on wiring, engineering, and labor for the installation while getting all the benefits of LED lighting.”

Tessmann said that using LED lighting inside the cabin provides numerous safety benefits. They charge escape path lighting systems faster than fluorescent lighting, helping to guarantee a safe exit for passengers and the crew in an emergency. LED lights also generate less heat and lower current than fluorescent lighting.

EMTEQ’s LEDs also last a longer-thanaverage 50,000 hours compared to other industry providers. The company’s LED lighting can be found on airlines including 42

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Transaero, Icelandia and Condor.

EMTEQ’s eFIT LED lighting solutions are currently available in both white and white/blue combinations to provide mood lighting. Both options come in multiple color temperatures.

For those airlines that want to differentiate themselves, EMTEQ has designed the QUASAR II Full Spectrum Mood Lighting Solution. Currently being certified, the solution can provide custom lighting animations and dynamic scenes such as sun rises for their passengers during flights.

Tessmann said the product has become quite popular with EMTEQ’s clients.

“We’ve had requests to do mock ups from the Aurora Borealis to replicating lava,” he said. “[With QUASAR II] there really are no limitations of where an airline would want to go. The potential for differentiation of airlines based on the dynamic effects of QUASAR II go deeper than lighting has gone before. Branding and emotional reaction will become a standard and increase customer loyalty.” In addition to the dynamic scenes, the light offers crisp whites and can be blended into more than 16 million color options.

EMTEQ is now using its expertise in lighting and is offering exterior LED lights.

EMTEQ offers a line of exterior lights for multiple platforms including landing and taxi, PAR 34/46/64, ACL, beacons, and logo lights. Tessmann said EMTEQ’s taxi and landing lights provide all the benefits of its interior lights: low heat, low current, and a

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

long service life. But they also provide visibility for the pilot, air traffic controllers and other aircraft.

Like EMTEQ’s eFIT LED lighting solution, its landing and taxi lights are easy to install.

Tessmann said that a mechanic would be able to install the lights in the time a plane is on the ground in between flights.

EMTEQ will be showcasing all three types of lighting solutions at its booth at this year’s IFSA/APEX Expo. Tessmann said its staff will also be available for meetings at Aircraft Interiors Americas in Seattle. In addition to its lighting, the company is also showcasing its engineering and avionics services.

Tessmann said that EMTEQ is able to provide its engineering and avionics services, LED lighting, cables, trays, and system installation kits from any of its seven global locations in the USA, Canada, Switzerland, or Brazil.

Celeste Industries When it comes to developing products to ensure a cleaner cabin, there needs to be a balance between disinfecting a cabin and sacrificing cleaning according to Celeste® Industries Corporation’s International Business Development Manager, Dora Cheatham.

“What you find with a lot of disinfectants is they may kill viruses, bacteria and even fungi, but many of them leave behind a fine layer that attracts dirt. Long-term, your aircraft is not going to look great. It’s like an item of clothing that you’ve worn over and over again and it starts to look worn and grungy,” she said.

SAFETy IN ThE CAbIN oped its SafeHands® line of hand sanitizers.

The SafeHands® foaming hand sanitizing solution contains 62% ethyl alcohol was one of the products that was able to help airlines from spreading the 2009 H1N1 swine flu epidemic. It is also 99.99% effective against spreading bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.

UTC Aerospace Efficient evacuations for passengers and crew are the main focus of UTC Aerospace’s cabin LED lighting. The Celeste® Industries manufacturers company believes they are key to personal Sani-Com towelettes ensuring that passengers and crew To beat that grunge, Celeste® has devel- are able to leave an aircraft safely in an emeroped its Interior Cleaner Complete product gency situation.

“Lights by definition illuminate the way for that actually builds up a protective surface to prevent dirt from building up over time. passengers and crew during flights without Cheatham says its just one of the things incident as well as illuminating the way to companies like Celeste® need to watch out for. safety and out of harm’s way when in dan“One of the concerns that many airlines ger,” Hermann Koch, Business Development have is “if I clean it with a disinfectant and Manager at UTC Aerospace System’s lightI don’t rinse it off what happens if food gets ing systems facility in Lippstadt, Germany on there or if a child is eating on there is that told Pax International in an email interview.

“Illuminated indicator signs are an important an issue,” Cheatham said.

In additional to its Interior Cleaner Com- means of providing safety information for plete product, Celeste®’s other offerings the passengers. For example they can tell include Glyco-San® for cleaning aircraft the passengers to return to their seats, to potable water tanks, lines and coffee makers fasten their seat belts or to turn off elecas well as micro fiber cleaning clothes and tronic devices. Floor path marking lights sponges. It also produces a line of personal and battery operated exit signs contribute significantly to the passengers’ safety, too. sanitizer towelettes to be used by passengers In case of emergency, their reliability is an as well as a water-free hand-sanitizers.

Celeste® ensures that all of its products indispensable precondition for the safe and comply with the regulations of the U.S. quick evacuation of the aircraft.”

The company has ensured that its cabin Environmental Protection Agency regarding product efficacy regardless of where they are lighting remains safe inside the cabin by maksold in the world. Celeste® is also environ- ing sure that all of the touchable components mentally focused delivering products that are of its LED lights remain at room temperature free of carcinogens and biodegradable. The during flight to avoid burning passengers and crew. UTC’s lights are also shock- and company’s products are also tested to ensure that they don’t cause issues to the surface of airplane components.

To meet airlines demands for products during cold and flu season, Celeste® devel-

vibration-resistant. This helps to reduce any chance of the lights’ tubes or bulbs breaking and injuring passengers or crew. The lights also provide constant and uniform brightness to provide a stable level of illumination in the cabin for passengers and crew.

According to Koch, the Charlotte North Carolina-headquartered company is continually focused on improving the safety of its lighting products. “UTC Aerospace Systems’ is continuously improving the lifetime and lowering the maintenance effort of its emergency lighting products by reducing their power consumption,” he said.

The same quality that the company puts into its interior cabin lighting is also found in its aircraft evacuation slides.

“Our evacuation slides incorporate lightweight fabric, durability and reliability when it comes to some of their benefits,” Laura Neel, UTC’s Client Manager for Interiors based at the company’s Phoenix operations. Some of UTC’s evacuation slides can also be used as life rafts during landings on water.

As evacuation slides are required on board aircraft that fly 100 miles or more away from land and must function properly. UTC requires that its airline customers turn their slides in for a complete overhaul or service check a minimum of every three years. In addition, the company performs functionality testing on 100% of its evacuation slides and each one is properly repacked before its sent to the customer.

UTC Aerospace Systems will be exhibiting some of their lighting products and life rafts at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) trade show this year. “Chances are the next generation of safety lighting and evacuation slides will have to incorporate weight savings and cost savings along with longer shelf life to make them more cost effective overall,” Neel said.

UTC’s lights remain at room temperature during flight

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what’s hot!

WHAT’S

HOT! Advanced sound performance

Company Name: Linstol Company Location: Naples, FL & London, UK Description: Linstol is pleased to introduce the PE-90, its latest small and light earbud model.

Designed with an air-tube feature to provide advanced sound performance, this new model also offers a comfortable and secure fit for long periods of wear. The PE-90 is equipped with soft silicone earpieces with great noise reduction. The earbud is available in a variety of colors and can be manufactured to the airlines technical specifications. Linstol also provides a range of low cost packaging solution that can include promotional messages.

Visit Linstol at APEX: Booth #200

Contemporary experience

Company Name: Lufthansa Systems Company Location: Kelsterbach, Germany Description: BoardConnect by Lufthansa Systems is a wireless infotainment platform with the ability to integrate content from movies to duty-free shopping and travel information while offering a contemporary shopping experience. BoardConnect can stream DRM protected content and comes with superior usability and striking economic advantages.

Visit Lufthansa at APEX: Booth #430

New Inventory Program

On-demand

Company Name: Rockwell Collins Company Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Description: Rockwell Collins PAVES™ On-demand: The industry’s most versatile in-flight entertainment system. Airlines can improve their passengers’ experience with PAVES On-demand from Rockwell Collins. PAVES On-demand provides in-seat audio/video on demand. Travelers can enjoy high-definition entertainment while the system’s reliable, compact footprint, lightweight and maintenance-friendly features help minimize cost of ownership.

Visit Rockwell Collins at APEX: Booth #1000

Company Name: AVID Company Location: Middletown, Rhode Island Description: AVID is pleased to introduce its new INVENTORY NOWSM program. The most popular IFE and passenger comfort products have been identified through the program and a consistent and reliable supply are available from headsets and earbuds to fleece blankets and socks.

Visit AVID at APEX: Booth #1702

The Zonal Drying™ System

Company Name: CTT Systems AB Company Location: Nykoping, Sweden Description: The Zonal Drying™ System from CTT prevents condensation in modern aircraft, resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions. The system effectively removes moisture using established industrial technology; it takes air from the crown area or cargo area and feeds it though zonal dryer units between the cabin and the outer skin of the aircraft, using a specially designed piccolo duct.

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what’s hot!

New design concept

Lighting solution

Company Name: EMTEQ Company Location: New Berlin, Wisconsin Description: eFIT ™ Drop-In LED Lighting Solution by EMTEQ provides the ambience and functionality for a refreshed look on the 737NG and Airbus. With no changes needed for attendant or flight panels, nor the drop-in installation of the existing mounting provisions and connectors, eFIT ™ is a very cost-effective modification.

Visit EMTEQ at APEX: Booth #1804

Company Name: Linstol Company Location: Naples, FL & London, UK Description: Linstol is pleased to introduce the 225 Noise Cancelling Headset now being offered to airlines. Since sound performance has developed more over time than the design element, The Linstol Design Team has recognized this and developed a new manufacturing process where more individual parts of the headset can be manufactured to design specifications as requested by the airlines by providing flexibility for individual customization.

Visit Linstol at APEX: Booth #200

Porcelain collections

Company Name: Global Inflight Products Company Location: Redmond, Washington Description: Global Inflight Products (G.I.P.) offers innovative porcelain collections to allow airlines to showcase menus and flavors of inventive cuisines. Elegant and simple porcelain options are available for various destinations and diverse culinary repertoires. Global Inflight Products is a leading provider of various inflight products including cutlery, tableware, glasses and much more.

Get connected

Company Name: Zodiac Inflight Innovations Company Location: Brea, California Description: Connectivity is now part of the RAVE™ product line, which will complement Zodiac’s classic RAVE™ AVOD system. The RAVE™ connectivity line follows a modular concept that can be tailored to each airline’s needs, allowing them to pick and choose from features such as “Wireless Cabin”, “Broadband Connectivity”, “Streamed IFE”, and “GSM”.

Visit Zodiac Inflight Innovations at APEX: Booth #1400

Who’s game?

Company Name: IFE Services Company Location: Cheshire, UK Description: Leading in-flight entertainment provider, IFE Services, recently teamed up with specialist games company, GUE Tech, to shake up the in-flight games industry. The alliance means that airlines can now choose from over 200 popular PlayStation, Xbox, Wii and casual games to entertain their passengers onboard. IFE Services is a leading provider of in-flight entertainment solutions to the airline industry. Its focus on quality and innovation is supported by a strong commitment to customer service and investment in the latest systems and technologies.

Visit IFE Services at APEX: Booth #1031

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ASSOCIATION NEWS c a l e n d a r

Finalists

APEX/IFSA EXPO, September 9-12, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, For more information Contact IFSA at (404) 252-3663, e-mail ifsa@kellencompany.com or contact APEX at (212) 297 – 2177, info@apex.aero

announced for APEX Awards

Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas, October 1-3, Seattle, For more information contact: Customer Service at 203-840-5680 aircraftinteriorsus@reedexpo.com

Attendees at this year’s Airline Passenger Experience Association Awards night can expect a little camp humor to go with the yearly litany of airline recognition.

Pam Ann has been tapped by APEX to be the host for event. Pam is the alter ego of Australian comedienne Caroline Reid. Pam’s “performances focus on the nuances of air travel, identifying the individual quirks of some of the biggest international airlines and their media stereotypes,” said a description of her shtick, which draws heavily on the period of aviation from the late 50s to early 70s. She has been featured on advertising campaigns for British Airways and was part of the entertainment three years ago, when JetBlue Airways opened its new hangar at New York’s Kennedy Airport.

This year there are 13 separate categories in the Passenger Choice Awards.

To pick the finalists passengers responded to an online survey available to any member of the traveling public, at the encouragement of member airlines.

Also during the early evening event the Avion Awards will be distributed the airlines and vendors for technological advancement and commitment to the passenger experience. APEX also recognizes the accomplishments and commitment of an individual with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The winners will be announced at a cocktails and appetizers event from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. September 9 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Aircraft E-Enablement Connectivity and IFE Conference, October 1-2, Park Inn Hotel at London Heathrow.

For more information, call +44 1403 230 700 or contact simon@aicraft-commerce.com Marine Hotel Association European Conference & Trade Show, November 5-7, Hotel Arts Barcelona. For more information, contact mha@mhaweb.org or call (415) 332-1903.

International Travel Catering Association/SIAL Middle East Trade Show and Networking Forum, November 24-26, Abu Dhabi.

For more information, go to itcanet.com

2014 Middle East Rail 2014, February 4-5, Dubai World Trade Centre, For more information, contact Terrapinn Middle East, 971 4440 2500 or enquiry.me@terrapinn.com Aircraft Interiors Expo and World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo, April 8-10, Hamburg Messe, For more information +44 (0) 208 271 2174 aixhamburg.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk cruise3sixty, April 2-6, Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale. For more information, contact Nicole Dunbar, ndunbar@jmpa.com or call 949-457-1545 InnoTrans rail event, September 23-26, Berlin.

For more information, contact Mary Jo Balve at mjbalve@globaltradeshow.com or call 732 933 1118

The following is the list of finalists for this year’s APEX Awards:

Best Overall Passenger exPerience Emirates

Turkish Airlines

Best inflight videO

Etihad Airways

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Air New Zealand

Garuda Indonesia

Best in regiOn: middle east

Emirates

Virgin America

Emirates

Virgin Atlantic Airways

Etihad Airways

Virgin America

Gulf Air

Air Mauritius

Qatar Airways

Best caBin amBiance

Ethiopian Airlines

Royal Jordanian Airlines

Air Transat

Kenya Airways

Best inflight PuBlicatiOn

Emirates

Avianca S.A.

Singapore Airlines SWISS International

Best in regiOn: americas

Garuda Indonesia

Air Transat

Gulf Air

Avianca S.A

Ethiopian Airlines

Delta Air Lines

TACA International Airlines

JetBlue

Best ife user interface

Best fOOd & Beverage (in cOnjunctiOn with the internatiOnal flight services assOciatiOn)

Emirates

Emirates

Best in regiOn: asia and australasia

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways

Air New Zealand

Royal Jordanian Airlines

Singapore Airlines

Cathay Pacific

Virgin America

SWISS International

Garuda Indonesia

Virgin Atlantic Airways, LTD

Turkish Airlines

Virgin America

Singapore Airlines

Best inflight cOnnectivity & cOmmunicatiOns

PIA Qantas Airways

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TAP Portugal

Best in regiOn: africa

South African Airways

46

EVA Air

Emirates

Best in regiOn: eurOPe

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA

Norwegian Air Shuttle

Oman Air

SWISS International

PIA

TAP Portugal

Virgin America

PAX INTERNATIONAL

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013

Virgin America

Best grOund exPerience Avianca S.A Delta Air Lines El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. Garuda Indonesia Virgin America

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